National Library of Public Information Taichung

National Library of Public Information Taichung, NLPI Taiwan, Building, Architecture, Design

National Library of Public Information, Taiwan : NLPI Taichung

NLPI Building – design by J. J. Pan & Partners, Architects & Planners

5 Mar 2012

National Library of Public Information

Location: Taichung, Taiwan

Architects: J. J. Pan & Partners, Architects & Planners

National Library of Public Information - NLPI Taichung

NLPI Taichung

Situated in the middle of the island of Taiwan, the National Library of Public Information occupies a site that is both geographically and metaphorically the confluence of information exploration and urban evolution. The striking form of the building features a “horizontal flow” theme recalling the early irrigation canals in the city’s settlement since the 18th century, as well as symbolizing the fluid data interface in the internet age.

National Library of Public Information Taichung National Library of Public Information Building National Library of Public Information Taichung Building
images from architects

Architecturally, the project is strongly rooted in the canons of modern architecture such as Le Corbusier’s Five Points of Modern Architecture; but also addresses conceptual questions such as how the library is to survive or even thrive in the digital age. In fact, the genesis of the design is the decision to directly confront the challenges and opportunities presented by the dynamic nature of digital media.

The resulting fluid building form and ever-changing spatial movement are manifested in the protruding volume of the conference center, the grand steps connecting the plaza and the L shaped buildings embracing a landscaped court.

National Library of Public Information NLPI NLPI Taichung NLPI Taichung Building
images from architects

Akin to how the Five Points challenged the conventional design and construction practices of the time, the library tested the limits of design and construction in Taiwan. To achieve the building’s free-formed skin with its curved planes and organic tree trunk-shaped columns, the latest 3D design software and quite a few on-site mock-ups were utilized.

In the end, a composite wall system with integrated insulation molds the folding surfaces, which are cladded with pearl-white round mosaic tiles of eight different sizes enabling the skin to achieve a monocoque appearance.

In the interior, each floor from level one for five, takes its visual design cue from the corresponding outside view – people, trunk, canopy, the city skyline, and clouds respectively. The landscape design features a moon-gazing berm with a multitude of native plants and low-maintenance wind resistant shrubs.

Founded on the balance between cultural, technical and indigenous uniqueness, the design of the National Library of Public Information has established a new model for future civic projects in Taiwan.

National Library of Public Information Taichung National Library of Public Information Building NLPI Building National Library of Public Information Taichung Building
images from architects

National Library of Public Information Taichung – Building Information

National Library of Public Information Architects: J. J. Pan & Partners, Architects & Planners(JJPan)
Location: Taichung, Taiwan
Project Team: Joshua J. Pan, Jason Chen, Chih Ming Chang, Sheng Tien Yeh, Sheng-ping Lin, Wen Chih Wang, Chien Yuan Liang, Chia Jung Hsieh, Shih-Fang Huang
Building Contractor: Kong Chou Construction Enterprise
Project Year: Design: 2007 ; Completion: 2012

Photographs: Wei-Shih Hsieh, JJPan

NLPI Taiwan NLPI Building Taiwan NLPI Taiwan Building NLPI Taichung Building
images from architects

National Library of Public Information images / information from J. J. Pan & Partners, Architects & Planners

Location: Taichung, Taiwan, Eastern Asia

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