cloud library
Category: Coursework
B.Arch Optional Studio Work, 2014 Fall, Hunan University
This project reimagines the function and spatial design of the library in the digital age. Once unimaginable, the concept of a library without physical books now feels increasingly inevitable. Like many other long-standing cultural and intellectual institutions—such as publishing, journalism, and universities—the library stands at a critical juncture as we move deeper into the digital era. The question arises: what role do libraries play if they are no longer dedicated to the storage and circulation of books? And, with their traditional function diminished, how can libraries evolve to remain relevant?
In this project, the library transforms into a knowledge trading center, facilitating interactions between knowledge providers and recipients. Rather than focusing on book circulation, the library operates more like an incubator, offering self-publishing services, print-on-demand capabilities, and copyright assistance for content creators. For knowledge seekers, it functions as a consultancy, helping individuals locate, filter, and navigate vast amounts of information.
The flow of knowledge between providers and recipients is organized sequentially, from consultation to transaction. To reflect this, two spiral circulations were designed: one for knowledge providers and the other for receivers. The intersection of these spirals serves as a public space where users can engage and communicate. The spatial form is generated through a manifold geometry inspired by this circulation pattern, with the main structure supported by an innovative interwoven grid of steel frames. This approach envisions the library as a dynamic, interactive space that adapts to the evolving demands of knowledge creation and dissemination in the digital era.