Shanghai Library East competes for the International Federation of Graphic Arts 2023 Public Library Award, with four global nominees | Space | Global
The International Federation of Library Associations recently announced the list of nominees for the 2023 Public Library Award, and the East Library of Shanghai Library was nominated.
This year, 16 libraries from 11 countries participated in the competition. This award aims to recognize public libraries that have achieved comprehensive success in building functionality, creativity, IT solutions, and enhancing local culture worldwide in 2022. After being evaluated by members of the jury of the International Federation of Library Associations, the four libraries stood out among many candidate libraries. Along with the East Library of Shanghai Library in China, the Slovenian Yanez Vojkaard Valvaso Public Library, the Spanish Gavrel Garcia Marquez Library, and the Paramata City Library in Australia were also selected.
The jury believes that the nominated library has performed excellently in terms of interaction between the building and the surrounding environment, as well as providing unique spaces for cultural protection, learning, and social activities. "The list of candidate public libraries for 2023 shows us a series of impressive elements how to define a great library and how to design innovative solutions to adapt to this change. From huge iconic new buildings to influential small community centers, all four nominated libraries place great emphasis on environmental awareness, community participation, and architectural style, proving that they are truly libraries built for the future."
The final result of this award will be announced at the FIFA World Congress held in Rotterdam, Netherlands from August 21st to 25th this year. This is the second time that Chinese libraries have been nominated, and in 2022, Ningbo Library was nominated.
The East Library of Shanghai is located in the Huamu area of Pudong, Shanghai, with an area of 115000 square meters, and is currently the largest single library in China. The overall visual effect of the exterior design of the East Hall of Shanghai Library is clean and pure, with clear layers. Looking from afar, it is like a shining "jade in the forest", and the internal close-up view is like the Taihu Lake Lake stone, which is interconnected, as if people are exploring the source of knowledge sharing. The appearance of the library pays homage to the history of printed literature in a subtle way. The exterior of the building features 15 photos with marble patterns, which are "bound" on the library's "cover" using 3D printed glass technology.
Two auxiliary buildings support the main structure of the building, one containing five lecture halls, exhibition and activity spaces, and the other being a children's reading area with an inner courtyard and outdoor amusement space. The atrium spaces of different floors and positions are stacked and intertwined, spiraling upwards. The seven floors are visually connected together, rich and not monotonous. There are many rectangular window openings on all sides of the atrium, giving the visual space a completely new look. In addition to learning knowledge, readers can also enjoy the panoramic view of Shanghai's iconic Lujiazui skyline and the largest green space in the city, Century Park.
The collision between urban architecture and public art has become a major highlight of the East Pavilion. Ten contemporary artists from around the world - Xu Bing, Gu Wenda, Shen Fan, Zheng Zhongbin, Emily Floyd, Ni Youyu, Liu Wenxuan, Plummer&Smith, Ma Xingwen, and Yang Zhenzhong - have created multiple permanent art pieces tailored to the venue for the museum.
The Dongguan themed reading service space in the picture combines reading services with multimedia interaction to create a reading experience in the era of all media. Outside the south gate of Dongguan, the first pleasant reading forest in the country has been created for readers, making the urban space more accessible and the reading experience more charming.
After its official opening on September 28, 2022, the reader traffic of the East Pavilion in the picture above has exceeded 1 million, more than 380 events have been held, and the cumulative number of online and offline participants has exceeded 17 million. The team discussion rooms, lifelong learning rooms, and silent reading cabins scattered on various floors provide public cultural services that are inclusive and equal for all ages, while also catering to personalized needs.
