Sub-Centre Library, Beijing Smart Building Development, China, Chinese Architecture, Architect, Design Images
Beijing Sub-Centre Library in People’s Republic of China
17 Jan 2022
Design: Snøhetta
Location: Beijing, People’s Republic of China

The new Beijing Sub-Centre Library due to complete by the end of 2022, will offer a contemporary yet timeless space for learning, knowledge sharing and open discussions, as well as celebrating the cultural richness of Beijing and China at large.

Beijing Sub-Centre Library
Aiming to set new standards for sustainable library design, the Beijing Sub-Centre Library will become distinctly different to conventional libraries, utilizing technology, smart design and local resources. Following an international design competition win in 2018, Snøhetta was commissioned to design the new sub-centre library in the Chinese capital and has developed the architectural, landscape, and interior design in partnership with local partner ECADI. Construction started in 2020 and since then, the roof has been put in place and the tall glass enclosure, up to 16 meters, is currently under installation. At completion, this will be China?s first self-supporting glass facade project.

Openness and inclusion

The library was designed and created to celebrate a public space for learning, information exchange and open discussions, as well as celebrating Beijing?s heritage and rich cultural history of science, art and performance. This has been emphas...