Hefei Public Library_Cultural_Projects | KRIS YAO｜ARTECH

Situated on the shore of Swan Lake in Hefei City, Hefei Public Library is one of the key buildings in the core area where citizens can enjoy cultural activities.

Taking into account that the library’s massing may have visual effects to the overall lake shore skyline and other buildings, the project adopts a steady cubical massing to correspond to the circular form of the nearby Hefei Gran Theater, thus creating a well-balanced atmosphere that couples strength and gentleness. The two facilities, together with the sports park located on the north side, constitute a cultural, sports, and arts strip for the Hefei Swan Lake.

In this project, the above ground structure consist three major functions: the library, the automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), and the city gallery. The underground structure includes the parking space, the subway connection, and the ancillary commercial facilities. The two main building masses are 63 meters and 33-meter in height. The east and west axial semi-outdoor corridor is an excellent place for hosting various activities, which also reinforces the spatial relationship between the entrance plaza to the west side waterfront area. Moreover, the upper cantilevered platform creates a spacious image and allows visual connection to the lake view.

The grand stairs are not only the passageways, but also a setting for performance, communication, reading and rest. People are both performers and audiences when moving in these circulation paths. The fact that each functional space is closely linked to one another provides a sense of visual permeability that enhances people's engagement in activities.