Interview about Unique Reading Area Library, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2023
The library is located in a quiet and natural environment. The lobby is designed with virtual and real hollows between the grilles to connect the staggered relationship between people and space, creating a sense of overlap between light, shadow and space. A large number of bookshelf designs use vertical and horizontal lines to construct space, and use linear lighting to embellish, refract, penetrate and focus, creating more gathering spaces close to nature. The designer hopes to promote children's physical and mental development in this parent-child friendly reading area.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe design of Xingtian Palace Beitou Library cleverly integrates natural environment and cultural elements into the space, creating a unique and comfortable reading experience. The following is a detailed analysis:Fusion of nature and architectureBringing outdoor landscape indoorsThe design integrates the natural scenery of Guandu Mountain into the building, using natural wood veneer to decorate the ceiling and walls, blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor..The design of the atrium patio emphasizes the philosophical concept of "a round sky and a square earth", echoing the mutual dialogue between nature and culture.Dynamic effects of light and shadowThe grid structure and linear lighting design provide soft lighting and layered light and shadow interaction effects, creating a calm reading atmosphere..Functional zoning and diversity of spaceDiverse seating optionsProviding corner wooden benches and warm round lamps to create a coffee shop-like comfort, suitable for personal focused reading.The circular book area and stepped children's reading area enhance the fun and functionality of the space.The combination of culture and educationThe stepped bookcases and turf mats in the children’s area simulate nature and stimulate imagination.The Meditation Corridor and the Literature and History Corridor use philosophical and cultural symbols to allow visitors to calm their minds while reading and exploring.Deepening of design conceptsThe symbolic meaning of the bamboo square boxThe image of bamboo is used to symbolize books and culture, and vertical and horizontal lines are combined to create a richly layered reading space..Philosophical fusion of circle and squareThe concept of a round sky and a square earth is embodied through the architectural design, reminding visitors to find balance and harmony in their mind and behavior.overall impactThis kind of design is not only a display of visual aesthetics, but more importantly, it creates a place that can promote reading, contemplation and cultural exchange. Through natural light and shadow, cultural symbols and diverse space design, visitors can feel the resonance of nature and culture and enjoy the peace and enrichment of body and mind.
The inspiration for integrating Chinese scroll bamboo elements into modern library design comes from the cultural connotation and aesthetic value carried by this traditional material and form. Rolled bamboo is a light and flexible material that is closely connected with the traditional Chinese philosophy of nature, symbolizing resilience, softness and rising beauty. Here are a few key inspirations and effects of this design fusion:Source of inspiration:Contemporary interpretation of traditional culture:In Chinese culture, bamboo represents integrity, tenacity and rising spiritual character. In a library, a space for intellectual enlightenment and ideological exploration, the form of rolled bamboo can symbolize the infinite extension of human knowledge and wisdom.Dialogue between nature and architecture:The natural and sustainable characteristics of bamboo fit well with modern design concepts and are suitable as a design element that is both beautiful and functional. At the same time, it can bring users closer to nature and create a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.The dual levels of vision and emotion:The streamlined structure and layered layout of rolled bamboo have strong visual appeal, can create rich light and shadow effects, and give people a feeling of tranquility and contemplation, which is in line with the library's need for tranquility and concentration.Creation of space atmosphere:Meditation and concentration:The scrolled bamboo elements form a visual sense of flow and spatial continuity through layered textures and soft tones, which can guide people's attention to internalize and promote concentration and contemplation.Enhanced sense of cultural hierarchy:Incorporating traditional elements into modern architecture can not only highlight cultural identity, but also inject more deep emotional connections into the space, allowing users to feel the dialogue between culture and modernity.Balance between functionality and aesthetics:Rolled bamboo is not only used as decoration, but can also be used in functional designs such as partitions, sunshades, and sound absorption to provide readers with a comfortable reading environment while avoiding visual and spatial oppression.This kind of design not only gives the library more cultural connotation, but also becomes a model of the perfect integration of tradition and modernity, allowing readers to feel the spiritual sublimation and cultural enlightenment brought by space design while exploring knowledge.
In designing the unique reading area library, a commitment to environmental sustainability became a core guiding principle, particularly in the decision to retain and reuse the existing marble material. The following are the considerations and implications behind this decision:1. Reduce material waste and environmental impactRetaining the existing marble material is a direct reflection of practicing sustainable design. The mining and processing of marble consumes a lot of energy, and if it is discarded or replaced, it will cause a waste of resources and increase carbon emissions. By retaining and repurposing materials, the life of materials can be extended and the environmental burden of the construction process reduced.2. Create harmony between old materials and new designsMarble is a durable and beautiful material that combines well with modern design elements. For example:Existing marble can be recut or polished and used to create tabletops, floor parquets or wall decorations.The combination of rolled bamboo elements and marble creates a design effect of contrast between softness and hardness, conveying the spatial aesthetics of interweaving nature and humanity.3. Respect the context and history of the siteWhile retaining the marble, it can highlight the historical characteristics and original design value of the building. This is a kind of respect for the spirit of the place, and also helps to balance the needs of modernization and cultural heritage during renovation.4. Encourage recycling of resourcesThrough innovative design methods, existing marble materials are given new functions and aesthetics. The recycling of resources is not only in line with the concept of sustainable development, but also injects unique stories and memories of the space into the library.5. The potential value of environmental educationAs a public space, the library not only carries the functions of reading and learning, but also has the mission of education and inspiration. Showing how to cleverly integrate old materials and new elements not only enhances the creativity of the design, but also conveys the concept of sustainable design to visitors and inspires more people to pay attention to environmental issues.in conclusionThe decision to retain the marble was a comprehensive consideration of environment, history and design responsibility. This approach not only continues the value of the existing materials, but also gives the space unique cultural connotation and aesthetic charm, reflecting an architectural design plan that takes into account both sustainability and creativity.
Inspired by nature, the reading area features hill-shaped stepped bookcases and pebble-like round furniture, forming a serene yet dynamic landscape. This nature-inspired design language not only enhances visual appeal but also creates an atmosphere of calm, reflection, and emotional connection.The design integrates natural imagery to evoke a sense of stability and intimacy—transforming the library from a mere reading space into a place for contemplation and relaxation. The stepped bookcases echo the layered contours of hillsides, inviting visitors to climb, explore, and rest, while the soft, rounded furniture breaks the rigidity of traditional layouts, offering comfort and flexibility.Symbolizing resilience and quiet beauty, the elements of hills and pebbles reflect the philosophy of learning as a process of growth and accumulation. The result is an engaging, human-centered environment that encourages exploration, interaction, and comfort—turning the act of reading into a sensory and emotional journey.
Designing a reading area that appeals to both children and adults while maintaining cohesion was about balancing diversity, function, and unity. We approached this through inclusive design — creating low, playful seating for children to encourage exploration, and ergonomic chairs and sofas for adults to ensure comfort. Modular, adjustable furniture in shared zones bridges the two, fostering parent-child interaction.To unify the space, we adopted nature-inspired materials and colors such as wood, soft greens, and beige, adding brighter tones and patterns in children’s areas for a lively yet harmonious contrast. Stepped bookshelves and tiered seating introduce vertical layering, allowing users of different ages to naturally find their place. Through these strategies, the space becomes not just a library, but a shared landscape of learning and connection.
The linear lighting design of the unique reading area library has been explored and evolved many times, and finally successfully created the unique atmosphere of different reading areas with its charming refraction and focusing effects. Here's how the lighting strategy was developed and its key role in the project:The evolution of lighting strategiesInitial phase: balance between functionality and aestheticsInitially, we focused on ensuring that the lighting met reading needs, providing sufficient and even light to avoid eye strain caused by insufficient light.Aesthetically, we chose linear lighting because its simple and modern appearance echoes the overall design language of the library.Mid-term adjustment: exploring the effects of refraction and focusDuring the design phase, we discovered that by adjusting the angles and materials of the fixtures, we could create captivating refracted light and shadows that would add visual appeal.Combining light with space structure, such as the curved surface of the scrolled bamboo elements and the layered feel of the stepped bookcases, allows the light to produce soft reflection and shadow effects on the surface, enhancing the three-dimensional sense of the space.Final presentation: layering and dynamicsAdjust the brightness and position of linear lighting based on the functional requirements of different areas. Use adjustable light sources and different light color temperatures to differentiate areas for reading, socializing and quiet contemplation.In field tests, further fine-tuning was carried out based on the way natural light enters and the user's experience to achieve a harmonious integration of natural light and artificial light.The role of linear lighting in shaping different reading areasChildren’s Zone: Fun and SafetyIn the children's area, the lighting is designed to be soft and diffuse to avoid strong contrast and glare.Through the combination of lighting and furniture shapes (such as round furniture or floor mats), interesting light and shadow games are created to stimulate children's curiosity and desire to explore.Adult Zone: Concentration and MeditationThe lighting in the adult area focuses on focus, with linear lights arranged along the bookshelves and reading tables, providing clear lighting conditions to help users focus.The fine adjustment of the light angle allows the light to be concentrated on the reading surface, while maintaining the soft brightness of the surrounding environment, creating a quiet and calm atmosphere.Sharing Zone: Dynamic and SocialIn the shared area, the lighting design combines refraction and diffusion effects to create a warm and open atmosphere through the reflection and overlap of light, encouraging interaction and communication among visitors.Use warm white or yellow light to increase the comfort of the space while avoiding too harsh light cuts.Special corner: atmosphere creationIn private reading corners or meditation areas, the lighting is mainly soft indirect lighting, using the refraction effect of walls and decorative elements to create a private and calm feeling.The linear lights are hidden inside the structure, leaving only light strips to provide users with vague visual guidance and enhance the privacy of the space.in conclusionThe application of linear lighting design in the reading area library not only meets the functional needs, but also gives the space a sense of hierarchy and emotional depth. This strategy starts from functionality and gradually evolves into an important means of shaping the atmosphere of the space by creating refraction and focusing effects, making each area both independent and connected to each other, becoming an important pillar of the cohesion of the overall design.
When designing a unique reading area library, balancing the Foundation's goals of children's moral education and parent-child learning activities with the need to create a beautiful and functional space was a multi-layered challenge. Here are the strategies and considerations used during the design process to achieve this balance:1. Clearly divide functional areasIn order to meet the needs of moral education and learning activities at the same time, we adopted a zoning design to ensure that each area is both functionally specific and collaborative with each other:Children's Moral Education Area: A dedicated space focusing on storytelling, interactive games and visual education, delivering core values through entertaining and educational methods.Parent-child learning area: An open, multi-functional space is set up to facilitate parents and children to participate in activities together, such as reading, handicrafts or discussions, to promote parent-child interaction.Static learning area: Provides a relatively isolated environment for users who need to read quietly and focus on learning to avoid interference from interactive activities.2. Integration of moral education elements in designThe concept of moral education is cleverly integrated into the space design, so that children and parents can be inspired subtly:Story wall and graphic display: Use wall and bookshelf designs to display graphic stories, mottos, or visual elements related to value education to create an environment for learning anytime and anywhere.Interactive devices: Set up interactive devices related to moral education themes, such as environmental protection knowledge boards, emotional education games or social responsibility experiences, so that children can learn important life skills through games.Integration of natural elements: The use of wood, green plants and natural tones conveys the concepts of sustainable development and respect for nature, echoing the theme of moral education.3. Multi-sensory participation in designIn order to improve children's participation and learning effects, the space design takes into account the stimulation of different senses:Visual: Use bright colors and shapes to attract children’s attention. For example, use bright colors in children’s activity areas and use soft tones in parent-child learning areas.Tactile: Provide furniture and decorations of a variety of materials to allow children to learn through contact, such as wooden tables and chairs, soft-cushioned carpets and interactive screens with smooth surfaces.Dynamic space: Design flexible modular spaces, such as movable seats and folding tables, to quickly adjust the space layout to adapt to different activity needs.4. Prioritize practicality and safetyTo meet the requirements for a family-friendly space, special attention was paid to safety and convenience in the design:Rounded edge design: The edges of all furniture and decorations are rounded to prevent children from being injured during activities.Low-height design: The bookshelves and furniture in the children's area are designed to be within children's sight and hands for easy access.Open view: ensure that parents can easily observe their children's activities, while maintaining the transparency of the space and promoting parent-child interaction.5. Integration of aesthetics and cultural valuesSpatial aesthetics and cultural connotation go hand in hand, making the library an attractive landmark:Nature-inspired design language: combined with elements such as rolled bamboo and ladder bookcases, it reflects the combination of nature and learning, creating a calm and warm atmosphere.Culture and story inheritance: Through decoration or event planning, local culture and traditional stories are displayed to enhance the educational significance and attraction of the space.6. User participation in the design processDuring the design stage, we conducted multiple collaborations with foundation representatives, education experts and parents to gain an in-depth understanding of the target needs and ensure that the space design can truly serve the target users.in conclusionThis design successfully combines the goals of children's moral education and parent-child learning activities with beautiful and practical space design. Through zoning, functional integration, multi-sensory participation and cultural aesthetics, it creates a space that is both educational and comfortable and inviting. , achieving the dual goals of design and education mission.
In this three-dimensional space, the floor is more than just a surface to walk on—it becomes an integral part of the spatial narrative.When seated within the space, one can sense the gentle rhythm of nature. The marble flooring, with its organic flowing veins, resembles ink diffusing across rice paper, softly connecting with the surrounding walls, furniture, and light.These natural patterns not only enrich the visual layers but also evoke a serene, poetic atmosphere—immersing visitors in a calm and contemplative mood, as if they were inside a living ink painting.
As a space that successfully combines design aesthetics, functional requirements and parent-child friendly concepts, the unique reading area library has a profound impact on the design of parent-child friendly spaces in future educational institutions. The following are the possible inspirations and potential evolution directions of this design:1. Emphasis on parent-child interaction and common growthThe design of the unique reading area library highlights the concept of parent-child participation. This feature may push the space design of future educational institutions to pay more attention to the following points:Multifunctional space design:Use flexible and changeable spaces to adapt to the diversity of parent-child activities, such as transforming from quiet reading to dynamic learning workshops to promote interaction between parents and children in different situations.Family participation model:Other educational institutions may adopt more shared facilities for parents and children, such as open study tables, parent-child reading areas and family-oriented activity spaces, designed to encourage the whole family to participate in the learning journey together.2. Prioritize multi-sensory and emotional needsThe library's focus on the needs of different age groups (sensory exploration for children and quiet reflection for adults) will become a reference direction for other institutions:Children and adults are separate but connected:In the future, parent-child-friendly spaces may be divided into dedicated children’s exploration areas and adult learning areas, as well as transitional parent-child interaction areas, so that both parties can grow in a suitable environment.Multi-sensory experience space:Educational institutions will pay more attention to multi-sensory design such as sound, light, and touch, so that the space can stimulate children's creativity while meeting adults' needs for comfort and concentration.3. Integration of natural elements and sustainable conceptsThe application of natural elements (curled bamboo, stepped design) and sustainable materials in the unique reading area library may become an important trend in parent-child space design in the future:Introducing a natural atmosphere:Future designs may make more frequent use of the forms and colors of nature, such as imitating forests, mountains, rivers, etc., to create a natural environment for children to explore and learn.Sustainability becomes the norm:Designs that use renewable materials and emphasize natural lighting and ventilation will be adopted by more educational institutions to convey the value of respecting the environment to the next generation.4. Integration of interdisciplinary and cultural heritageThe combination of culture and functionality emphasized in unique reading area libraries may inspire educational institutions to explore the following directions:Integration of culture and disciplines:The educational space will incorporate more cultural symbols and regional characteristics, allowing children to feel cultural heritage and pride in the learning process, while also providing more facilities for interdisciplinary learning, such as display spaces that combine reading with science and art.Designed as part of education:The space itself will be regarded as an invisible curriculum, guiding children to think about the importance of environment, culture and aesthetics through design.5. Promote community participationThe social functions emphasized by libraries (such as shared spaces, multi-level seating designs) may inspire educational institutions to design parent-child friendly spaces into more open community resources:Shared space:Providing facilities that are open to families and community members, such as books, interactive installations and craft workshops, to strengthen connections between educational institutions and the community.Cross-age interaction:The design encourages communication and cooperation between different age groups, allowing children, parents and even grandparents to find their own roles in the space.6. Integration of mental health and emotional supportParent-child friendly spaces in the future may pay more attention to users’ mental health:Space for contemplation and emotion management:Designed around tranquility and relaxation, it provides a safe environment where parents and children can find peace and adjust themselves.Emotional education device:Add interactive emotional education facilities, such as emotional exploration walls or cooperative game devices, to make parent-child relationships closer.in conclusionThe design of the unique reading area library sets a new benchmark for parent-child friendly spaces in educational institutions by combining functionality, aesthetics and cultural values. It may prompt future designs to pay more attention to family participation, multi-sensory experience, natural sustainability concepts and cultural integration, thereby creating spaces with greater educational value, emotional connection and social impact.
The Family Reading Library, nestled in the mountains, evolved from October 2021 to November 2022.The defining moment of this project came when we decided to let nature truly enter the interior.At that point, the building was no longer seen as a container, but as a living extension of the landscape—where topography, light, wind, and materials shaped the design together.Flowing curved lines across the floor, walls, and ceiling echo the rhythm of surrounding hills, while varying floor heights were carefully designed to suit both adults and children, ensuring ergonomic comfort for all users.Different zones—interactive, quiet, and classroom—were spatially separated to balance activity and tranquility.Ultimately, this integration of nature and reading became the emotional and conceptual core that defined the entire design outcome.
Dive into a world of design excellence with our curated highlights. Each feature showcases outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact from the design world. Discover inspiration and learn more about these incredible achievements.
