‘dalian library’ by architects collective, dalian, china all images courtesy architects collective

vienna-based practice architects collective has designed the ‘dalian library’ for the city of dalian, china. the curving exterior shell is conceptually derived from a rose, the city’s flower, blossoming towards the sky revealing a focal garden. with a triangular footprint, the transparent structure creates a strong relationship with the nearby ocean. positioned within a park setting, the center will become a landmark for both residents as well as visitors while serving as a symbol for creativity and environmental harmony to the community.

all programmatic areas will provide contemplative atmospheres with visual connections to nature within a central courtyard and the encompassing landscaped grounds which continue a petal motif. the undulating building profile will allow views towards the bay from the upper level reading room. circulation will occur through a grand spiraling stair which wraps the central void while stacks are placed at the outer perimeter.

architects collective: dalian library ground level

architects collective: dalian library stacks

architects collective: dalian library upper level reading room

architects collective: dalian library aerial view of central courtyard

architects collective: dalian library aerial view of building

architects collective: dalian library site plan

architects collective: dalian library floor plan / level 0

architects collective: dalian library floor plan / level 1

architects collective: dalian library floor plan / level 2

architects collective: dalian library floor plan / level 3

architects collective: dalian library floor plan / level 4

architects collective: dalian library floor plan / level -1

architects collective: dalian library elevation

architects collective: dalian library elevation

architects collective: dalian library elevation

architects collective: dalian library elevation

architects collective: dalian library site diagram

architects collective: dalian library views diagram

project info:

project type: construction of a new public library location: dalian, china procedure: invited competition result: finalist client: city of dalian architect: architects collective team: andreas frauscher, patrick herold, richard klinger, martin schorn, kurt sattler, fei tang gross floor area: 50.000 m2 competition date: 10/2011 construction costs: 50.000.000 EUR