Floating Chip: A Contemporary Library DesignA Unique Urban Living Room
The public space at the center of the community determines the quality of the community. The relationship between the traditional building surface and cities and streets is alienated and overly clear. The key to breaking closed social relationships is building flexible building skins. It is more like a floating chip, an artificial cloud. But what is certain is that it brings great appeal to the community. An opportunity to become a city business card. Simple but changeable horizontal floors and transparent glass curtains are also a Mies style deconstruction.
Designed by Jinyu Zhang, the Floating Chip library stands as a social occasion for the new community of the future. It serves as a platform, providing a friendly and open urban living room for citizens. The library's irregular skin, open ground floor, and roof garden create an impression of uniqueness and innovation. The compact core box houses a series of books and new media information, while the connected floors and building environments transform into patios, living rooms, studios, and study spaces for the city.
The realization of the Floating Chip library involves the use of steel, concrete, and wood. With dimensions of 100m x 45m x 25m, the design showcases contemporary architecture, technical expertise, and a focus on culture and exhibition. The suspended floor structure, concealed within the steel truss roof, allows for a free and horizontal library space. This structural innovation not only creates a beautiful expression of space but also fosters a highly flexible and cross-cultural atmosphere.
The project, which started in Guangzhou in April 2011 and was completed in March 2012, was exhibited at the 2014 Shenzhen Biennale. The design is based on extensive research, aiming to maximize the liberation of reading space and redefine urban publicity. The use of technology, particularly the suspension of the floor slabs, posed a significant challenge during construction. However, through innovative thinking and design relevance, the team overcame these obstacles and created a remarkable architectural achievement.
The Floating Chip library has garnered recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2020. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life. The library's incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology showcases its strong technical and creative skills, making it a valuable addition to the community.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Zhang Jinyu
Image Credits: Zhang Jinyu
Project Team Members: Zhang Jinyu
Project Name: Floating Chip
Project Client: Zhang Jinyu