Architects collective: dalian library

'dalian library' by architects collective, dalian, chinaall 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.


ground level


stacks


upper level reading room


aerial view of central courtyard


aerial view of building


site plan


floor plan / level 0


floor plan / level 1


floor plan / level 2


floor plan / level 3


floor plan / level 4


floor plan / level -1


elevation


elevation


elevation


elevation


site diagram

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