Pondering Haidian's Bizarre National Library of China

By Dominique Wong

New guidelines on urban planning will forbid the construction of “bizarre” and “odd-shaped” buildings that are devoid of character or cultural heritage. On the Block is a monthy series where we gather opinions on some of the unusual architecture that remains, from both an architectural and civilian viewpoint.

National Library of China, Haidian

The Building

Completed in 2008, and designed by KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten, the National Library of China covers a floor area of 80,000sqm. The 27-meter high library is split into three sections: a solid stone pedestal building at the base, a glass section housing the foyer in the middle, and a flat steel roof, which shoots 12 meters over the sides of the pedestal building. The base encompasses a contemporary library, over several stories, whereas the level above – the steel constructed roof – houses a digital library.

The Residents’ View

Outside the National Library we meet a self-proclaimed “ordinary worker” holding a bag of books. “I come here often,” she tells us. “It’s newer than the other old library next door. But I still think the older one is better looking. It’s more my preferred style.” A student passing by shares: “I think it looks great. The top part of the building is like a book.”

The Architect’s View

Independent Dutch architect Wopke Tjipke Schaafstal In Pinna muses: “It’s an impressive and well-designed building. The structure seems to join opposing elements: The lower part of the building uses material that is traditional and grounded, whereas the top of the building is futuristic and resembles a spaceship.

“The floor plan of the structure shows you can create a wonderful space by keeping it simple,” he continues. “The building appears almost like a square from the top, with elevators connecting the top and bottom squares, and there is the feeling of being in a temple when looking at the interior as a whole. The [base] area is like a ‘bowl of knowledge.’

“However the top of the design is a regrettable sign of contemporary trends: a compressed cylinder with two sides completely made up of glass is a reflection of what was in fashion at the time.”

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