A CONFLUENCE OF KNOWLEDGE

Taking cues from the topography of Wuhan and its rivers, the design for its new central library focuses on ‘nature versus city’ to create an educational space that can also function as a social connector.

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Poised to become one of the largest libraries in China, the Wuhan Central Library project combines traditional and non-traditional functions with diverse study, living room, reading, and studio spaces. Working in collaboration with UAD, MVRDV won the competition to design the new central library, which occupies 140,000 sq m of space at a highly visible site next to the Baofeng overpass in Wuhan’s Central Business District.

The library will connect to its surroundings via three large openings that will act as visual displays of life inside the building, sparking curiosity and intrigue. This distinctive, three-faced flowing shape celebrates the position of the ‘city of 100 lakes’ at the confluence of two rivers, and will become a new recognisable landmark for the city. The new library will integrate literature, information services, as well as scientific and technological innovation, and research resources. It will also improve Wuhan’s public information service system, and meet functional needs in terms of reading, learning, communication, and innovation, while enhancing the city’s urban economy.