Interview about Heyuan Public Library, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2018
The Heyuan New Library is a library located in the center of the Heyuan Cultural Park in Guangdong Province, China. The architectural design is unique in that it is inspired by traditional architecture of the Hakka people, one of the largest cultural groups in China. This location is ideal from a Feng-Shui point of view. The library overlooks the central lake from the foot of a small mountain. The essence of the design is based on a structure of five functional blocks arranged on a sloping terrain, overlooking the lake, connecting land to water.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsIn the Heyuan Public Library, we took the Hakka “Wufeng Building” as our prototype and distilled its signature traits—thick walls, small window openings, and a prominent roof—then reimagined them through a modern architectural lens.The large main entrance: We translated the Wufeng Building’s axial symmetry and the spatial spirit of the “central hall” into the library’s main entrance plaza and atrium. This creates a ceremonial, yet welcoming sequence—enhanced by the grand staircase in the lobby—that honors the traditional sense of order while meeting the openness expected of a modern public building.Small windows and thick walls: In traditional Hakka architecture, these served defensive and thermal purposes. In our design, we reinterpreted them as 400mm-thick textured white concrete panels. By carefully crafting the proportions and patterns of the facade, we preserved the “heaviness” and inward focus of Hakka dwellings while meeting modern standards for daylighting, energy efficiency, and thermal insulation.
Bamboo is abundant in Hakka regions and symbolizes humility, resilience, and ecological wisdom in local culture. We used it not just as a material, but as a cultural medium—abstracting everyday Hakka bamboo artifacts like woven screens and fences into contemporary architectural sunshading elements.Bamboo is lightweight, renewable, and highly effective at blocking low-angle sunlight from the east and west, significantly improving indoor comfort. The semi-translucent bamboo screens also cast soft, dynamic shadows, enriching the interior light quality while reinforcing the building’s regional identity.
The site clearly embodies the feng shui ideal of “backed by mountains, facing water” (bei shan mian shui)—with solid hills to the north and an open lake to the south. This “high at the back, open in front” configuration represents the classic feng shui ideal of gathering vital energy (qi) and balancing yin and yang.We respected this natural order in our design: the building aligns with the park’s central axis, oriented southward, and steps up the slope in a cascading sequence that echoes the idea of a “dragon vein.” The main entrance faces the lake—symbolizing the welcoming of prosperity and energy—while separate hiking trails on the east and west sides keep casual park visitors from cutting through the library, preserving a quiet, focused interior atmosphere. The stepped massing also minimizes excavation and helps the building feel as if it’s “growing out of the hillside,” reflecting the deeper feng shui philosophy of harmony between humans and nature.
Instead of flattening the hill (a common approach), we embraced the natural slope—north high, south low—and developed a “terraced village” strategy:Function meets topography: The lower, lakeside level houses the main entrance plaza, waterside platforms, and children’s reading area—highly public and easily accessible. Mid-level terraces contain the central atrium garden and main reading zones, acting as the building’s “heart” and circulation hub. The upper, hillside zone holds administrative offices, dense book stacks, and equipment rooms, shielded by the slope from western sun and noise.Circulation: Visitors enter from the south plaza and move upward via grand stairs or elevators, experiencing changing views at each level (“step by step, scene by scene”). Separate hiking paths on the east and west serve park-goers without interfering with library users—achieving a clear separation between “park” and “library.”
Our study went beyond surface-level imitation. We dug into the spatial logic and social values behind the Wufeng form:The Wufeng Building’s axial symmetry, front-low/back-high layout, and clear hierarchy became the basis for an inward-focused courtyard plan that fosters a sense of belonging.The “ancestral hall” was reimagined as a shared atrium—a multi-functional public living room for reading, exhibitions, and community interaction.Materially, we used textured concrete panels cast with custom formwork to mimic the roughness of traditional rammed earth—offering a subtle, non-literal cultural reference.Most importantly, while traditional Hakka homes were introverted and defensive, a public library must be open and inviting. So we opened up the interior with large glass walls and permeable boundaries, transforming cultural heritage into something both meaningful and accessible today.
This “closed outside, open inside” approach came from two key considerations:Cultural metaphor: Like Hakka tulou (enclosed dwellings), the library’s thick walls and small windows convey a sense of cultural dignity and quiet strength. But once inside, the bright, green-filled courtyard invites connection—with nature, with others, and with knowledge. This dramatic shift enhances the sense of “entering a sanctuary of learning.”Performance: The solid walls reduce heat gain and glare, while the internal courtyard and roof garden promote natural ventilation and daylighting—lowering energy use. So this duality isn’t just poetic; it’s a smart, sustainable strategy.
The biggest shift was functional: libraries were transforming from quiet book repositories into “cultural hubs” with digital zones, maker spaces, 24/7 study areas, and exhibition galleries. To stay flexible, we used a uniform grid, consistent floor loading, generous ceiling heights, and large open spans—plus smart building systems—so spaces could be easily reconfigured over time.We also faced construction and budget challenges. Features like textured concrete panels, green roofs, and solar integration weren’t standard back then. We worked closely with contractors to develop custom formwork and detailing solutions that delivered high-quality results without blowing the budget.
The 400mm-thick concrete walls provide excellent thermal mass, reducing the need for extra insulation and cutting both construction costs and embodied carbon. They’re also highly durable, minimizing long-term maintenance.The patterned bricks echo the texture of Hakka rammed earth walls, reducing the need for decorative finishes. Combined with the naturally ventilated atrium and extensive green roof—which acts as a thermal buffer against summer heat—the design significantly lowers cooling and lighting loads, making the whole building more energy-efficient and resilient.
As the “soul” of the Hakka Cultural Park, the library can grow in several directions:Create dedicated spaces like a “Hakka Culture Library,” “Local Archives Room,” or “Xiao Yin Literature Pavilion” to systematically preserve and showcase regional heritage.Thanks to its flexible, large-span structure, the building can easily adapt to future needs—whether that’s AI learning labs, digital media studios, or community co-creation zones.We can also use digital archives, immersive exhibitions, and outdoor amphitheaters to keep Hakka culture alive and engaging for new generations.
Don’t just copy traditional forms—dig deeper to understand their essence. Use contemporary materials, technologies, and spatial strategies to reinterpret cultural elements in ways that feel both authentic and relevant today.And always respect the site and ecology. Let the building grow from its environment, not be imposed onto it. That’s how you create architecture that’s rooted in place, yet timeless.
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