Taiwan National Library Southern Branch & National Repository Library
BaF and CRA (Carlo Ratti Associatti) proposed an open and transparent new learning environment of ‘rooms of knowledge’ that defines the contemporary use of library as a less formal and interactive hub.
The concept of library as a town was inspired by the humbleness of the context while creating a ‘town’ as part of the local fabric. The main spaces of the library, museum and repository are linked through a main axis connecting the north-south sides of the site, bringing people in smoothly into this library town, as seamlessly and effortlessly as possible to form an integral part of the community. Three main ideas drive the creation of this: the integration with nature, the openness of learning and the ‘museum-nisation’ of the library.
TO BE ONE WITH NATURE: THE NATURAL & THE BUILT
The trees are towering within the site and the golden tree boulevard is a landmark to the community. The team preserved almost 90 per cent of trees on-site while carefully inserting the masses within the areas without trees. This site has an existing ecosystem which the designers would like to preserve, envisioning the built environment to coexist harmoniously with the natural environment.
TO BE AN OPEN LEARNING HUB: THE KNOWLEDGE & THE COMMUNITY As a response to the new-age learning environment, such as co-learning, open source data sharing and digital networking, the team proposed the future library as a hub of open learning platform and to promote collaboration. The main lobby, also known as the ‘salon’, will be an interactive flexible space for learning and events, which redefine the traditional ‘see-the-books reading room’ idea. Also, they have designed ‘The Agora’ under the solar canopy as a response to the hot and humid town to provide shade and harness energy. The space could be used publicly at any time of the day and for semi-outdoor events overlooking the lush landscape.
TO BE A LIVING MUSEUM: THE PHYSICAL & THE DIGITAL
The team saw a need to redefine the entire museum, which this project called for, rather than just a book museum. The curatorial direction of this museum takes the theme of ‘life of a book’: the journey of a museum begins
in the public main axis showcasing the Book-bot (ASRS or automated storage and retrieval system) while slowly entering into the museum quarter surrounded by trees. The museum loop includes peeping into the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of books restoration, preservation and digitalisation. The library of the future is envisioned as a hub of open learning, community-driven, museum-like spaces and activities, transparent information as well as energy harnessing and efficient town within a park for all to enjoy.
This project is expected to reduce around 24,000 kg (in 40 years) of carbon
every year by designing a large amount of green spaces and biological habitat landscapes. For the building envelope, by using generous shading and low-E glass façade, it should be able to reduce 50 per cent of heat radiation. The building also used 80 per cent of Green building materials to ensure a healthy indoor environment while reducing material waste by using recycled materials. The central air-conditioning and heating usage for this project is estimated to be 40 per cent more efficient compared to other similar building types. The solar panel canopy will provide around 125,000 kWh of energy per year, which will compensate 2.8 per cent of lighting energy usage.
PROJECT DATA Project Name Taiwan National Library Southern Branch & National Repository Library Location Tainan, Taiwan ROC Status Ongoing Site Area
57,099.04 square metres Gross Floor Area 50,037.14 square metres Building Height 27.7 metres Client/Owner
National Central Library Architecture Firm
BaF (Bio-architecture Formosana) Principal Architects
Ching Hwa Chang; Ying Chao Kuo User Experience
Carlo Ratti Associatti (CRA)
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer Heng Kai Engineering Consultants Inc. Civil & Structural Engineer Envision Engineering Consultants Inc. Landscape
Ecologue Landscape & Architecture Planning Inc.
Library Specialist
Prof Lin Huei Wun of NCKU Library Museum Specialist
Prof Chen Jeng Horng of NCKU Museum
Images/Photos BaF
12 Aerial perspective
12 80 FUTURARC
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