Mecanoo’s winning Tainan Public Library scheme celebrates the “meeting of cultures and histories”

Over the last few years, Mecanoo has made a name for themselves with library projects like the widely recognized Library of Birmingham and their commission to renovate the MLK Jr. Memorial Library. Now, the Dutch firm has another library — and competition win — to add to their portfolio: the Tainan Public Library in Taiwan.

Designed with Kaohsiung-based MAYU architects+, Mecanoo's proposal features clean vertical lines and ample use of wood, stone, and natural light to help create a sleek, welcoming atmosphere — a scheme that the architects describe as a "timeless design". Visitors to the 35,000 m2 building would have access to reading rooms, study spaces, special collections, a 200-seat auditorium, cafe, and public courtyards, to name a few. An extra 13,000 m2 of space is also part of the plan for the new library.

Read on for more about the project from the architects.

"Tainan is a city born from a history of diverse cultures, peoples and traditions. The urban fabric holds memories from the 17th century European maritime trading, the Qing Dynasty Ruling, and the Japanese settlement of the early 1900s. On top of its rich history, modern Tainan is developing as a central city in the knowledge-based economy. The Public Library is about Tainan’s evolving relationship with its past and the direction towards its future."

"Mecanoo and MAYU’s design for the Tainan Public Library represents the meeting of cultures, generations and histories. Natural materials, like stone and wood, rational yet elegant structural lines and a sensitive use of light characterise the building’s timeless design. Reaching up into the sky, the building’s perimeter increases on each level. The result is a large canopy that provides shade to the transparent stepped facade and below-grade courtyards."

"The entrance hall rises three levels to show the library’s internal configuration and the layering of floors. The wooden fenestration filters daylight, creating a rhythmic pattern of light on the stone floor. Curvaceous stairwells show the dynamic flow of people through the building. The generous open-plan spaces ensure the library can adapt to future needs."

"Around the perimeter of the Lower Ground Floor is an outdoor children’s play area. A floor-to-ceiling glazed wall creates a visual connection between the play area and indoor children’s reading room. A sunken plaza on the same level is a multifunctional outdoor space for hosting talks, exhibitions or social gatherings. With a café adjacent, it is designed as a social destination for curious minds, creating a peaceful space for reading, group work, or socialising."

"On the top floor, a delicate second skin is wrapped around the building, filtering the light and reducing solar heat gain. An ancient map of Tainan is transposed onto vertical louvres and represents the city’s evolving relationship with its past and the direction towards its future."

Project details

Program: Library of 35,000 m2 and future extension of 13,000 m2 with adult library, special collections, study spaces, multimedia rooms, children’s area, event spaces, areas for teenagers and senior citizens, café, conference hall, 200-seat auditorium, bookshop, commercial spaces, archive and visitors services; landscaped square and courtyards
Design: 2016
Realization: 2017-2018
Client: Cultural Affairs Bureau, Tainan City Government, Taiwan
Local partner: MAYU Architect+, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

More project details in the image below.

All images courtesy of Mecanoo.