Wuhan Library

Location: Wuhan City, China
Gross Floor Area: 25,000 sq.m

The Central Library site is situated such that it completes a formal interior country enclosure within the existing Campus and becomes a visual terminus for both east-west and north-south pedestrian axis. The building has a distinct character through the use of form and colour which will become the icon for new Campus building in the 21st Century.

The concept of the new Central Library is predicated on the site shape and the division into three distinctive, yet connected areas, expressing ‘form following function’. A north-south oriented wing incorporated ares all active public functions for the student user, including Entry Lobby, Announcement Hall, Exhibition Hall, Reading Areas, Cafeteria, Multi-Purpose Room, and Parking as well as separated quite reading and Research Levels. An east-west oriented wing is designated exclusively for the Book Stacks, Archives, Rare Book Collection, Administration, Delivery, Distribution, Servicing, and the Emergency Refuge Area. A lower level Plaza of Learning providing a variety of activity areas to enrich Campus life. By taking advantage of the existing grade differential, the car parking and Loading/Receiving areas have been separated physically and visually from the main pedestrian traffic flow and have direct, at grade access.

‘Green Building’ principles are included for sharing and wind protection, waterproofing, and energy efficiency including a large roof overhang, use of metal mesh as an exterior sunscreen, a double roof system and preservation of existing trees.