Designed based on the concept of flower petals, the Vienna-based practice “Architects Collective” recently revealed the proposal of the Dalian Library, China. The design concept is similar to flower petals that blossoming towards the sky revealing a focal garden and attract insects or other animals, while the curving exterior shell is conceptually derived from the flower shape with a triangular footprint.
Courtesy of Architects Collective
“The building frame including floor slabs, columns and cores consist of reinforced concrete. The façade construction is made of steel and wherever possible and available, recycling materials shall be used including structural steel, concrete and metal facade panels. The facades are highly insulated to keep the building volume climatically stable and to minimize the need to cool or heat the building. The façade surfaces are covered with recycled sheet metal panels from Dalian shipyards.” Architects Collective
The library aims to be a landmark for both residents as well as visitors, magnetizing them with the world of knowledge, ‘fertilizing’ the mind like the flower stigma. The magical hidden garden only accentuates the beginning of this beautiful journey.
Courtesy of Architects Collective
Project info:
architect: Architects Collective
project type: construction of a new public library
location: dalian, china
procedure: invited competition
result: finalist
client: city of dalian
team: andreas frauscher, patrick herold, richard klinger, martin schorn, kurt sattler, fei tang
gross floor area: 50.000 m2
competition date: 10/2011
construction costs: 50.000.000 EUR
Courtesy of Architects Collective
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.