The National Library features two distinctly different building structures: Its almost square structure (112 m x 100 m) consists of a solid 5 storey reinforced concrete basement as well as a 2 storey elevated steel frame encircling the central inner courtyard measuring approx. 49 m x 52 m. Between the frame and basement area, there is a glass enclosed recessed storey. The steel structure for the frame, weighing more than 10,000 tonnes, were entirely prefabricated on the ground. On completion, they were hoisted on the stairwell towers and anchored at the head. The bracing for the building, via A-shaped columns and frames, takes into account the extreme earthquake forces which are 2 m/s in Beijing.
Projects
THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CHINA
ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST LIBRARIES
The National Library of China in Beijing, with its collection of 30 million significant volumes, is the largest library in Asia. It houses invaluable old Chinese scripts, primarily dating from the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1912), which are archived in the basement of the building. The contemporary library is surrounded by reading rooms whilst above it, in an apparently floating roof construction, the digital library is housed over two floors. This horizontal layering can be clearly perceived in the design of the building, which appropriately represents the enormity of this culturally historic attraction.
Design intention and building technology characterized the draft concept: A light-flooded, almost material free mezzanine floor between earthquake secure bearing structures with the highest load bearing effectiveness.
| Client | NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CHINA |
| Architect | KSP ENGEL UND ZIMMERMANN, FRANKFURT AM MAIN |
| Location | BEIJING, CHINA |
| Completion | 2007 |
| Service | GRUNDLAGENERMITTLUNG BIS ENTWURFSPLANUNG |
