Shenzhen University Buildings, Chinese Library Design, Architect, Project, Photograph

Shenzhen University Town Library, China

Contemporary Chinese Library Building – design by RMJM Architects, Scotland

30 Nov 2007

Shenzhen University Town Library Project

Date built: 2007

Design: RMJM Architects

Photos: H. G. Esch

RMJM’s design for the University Town Library connects resources from four different university campuses under one roof

American Institute of Architects Prize 2007

Height: up to 5 storeys
Total area: 52,000sqm
3,000-seat library

RMJM’s design for the new University Town Library in Shenzhen, China won an “Award of Merit” from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Hong Kong Chapter.

Completed in December 2006 and opened to the public early 2007, the new University Town Library provides a new perspective on sharing resources while acting as a gateway icon. The Library serves four university campuses spread on either side of a canal. The building itself acts as a bridge linking these previously disconnected facilities. Students, staff and the wider community are free to pass through and over the building to make this connection.

Its 480m long undulating form mirrors the topography of the landscape while its dragon-like shape, contemporary materials and function aim to refl ect the erudite language of education. Glazed façades encourage views out to the surroundings, while providing layers of sun-shading to reduce heat gain on library spaces within.

The Library was designed to hold 1.5 million books, 3000 seats, 1700 data ports and 8000 visitors daily and sits on a 51,600m2 site area in the suburb of Shenzhen.

The project team includes Scott Findley, AIA (Design Director); Chun Jiang (Director), Robert MacKenzie, Edmond Lau and Joyce Lo.

Shenzhen University Town Library Project images from RMJM Architects 301107

Shenzhen University Building architects : RMJM