Kunming University of Science and Technology Building, Yunnan Province Architecture

Library of Kunming University

Yunnan Province Library Building design by STUDIO TWIST architects, China

18 Apr 2014

Library of Kunming University of Science and Technology

Architect: STUDIO TWIST

Location: Kunming, Yunnan Province, Southwest China

Ordered Spaces of Knowledge

Library of Kunming University of Science and Technology

The Library of Kunming University of Science and Technology is regarded as the symbolic center of the university campus. The building form resembles stacked cubes on a plinth with bi-axial symmetry and a vertical central atrium. The central circular atrium serves as the spiritual center as well as the main vertical circulation of the library.

The architects’ initial design for the rotunda is to demolish the mono functional spiral stairs in a column, and replace it with a series of staircases along the round edge of each floor plate that link every 2 floors in a continuous spiral around the central atrium. This would have created balcony-like landings for resting and meeting. Unfortunately, this concept didn’t be implemented because of cost considerations even though the open staircase scheme was more favorable.

The final concept was to keep the closed spiral staircase. In order to still fulfill the potential of the rotunda as a place for chance meetings, we designed tall-backed seats and lectern-like reading desks to be installed in between the columns on every floor surrounding the rotunda atrium. It provide the library users spaces for pause, and facilitate spontaneous interactions or chance meetings between visitors.

Through clear spatial allocation of library functions such as dynamic circulation spaces and slow spaces for pause and chance meetings, natural light filled reading areas and book shelves areas without natural light, dialogue spaces and quiet study spaces, the architects hope to have created a comfortable and memorable library environment for the students that corresponds to the formal organization of the building.

Library at Kunming University of Science and Technology – Building Information

Project Name: Library for Kunming University of Science and Technology
Location: Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
Area: 27,000 sqm
Scope: Interior Design
Timeframe: 2009–12
Status: Design Completed and Constructed
Design Agency: STUDIO TWIST
Creative Director: Lip Chiong

Text: Lip Chiong
Photographer: STUDIO TWIST
Client: Kunming University of Science and Technology

Library for Kunming University of Science and Technology images / information from STUDIO TWIST architects

Library Buildings

Location: Kunming University of Science and Technology, Yunnan Province, China

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Architect: CADI (Central Architectural Designs International)

picture : Tu Yi Architecture Visualisations
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