Located in the fields of Zhejiang province, the Concept Library is a rotating shell structure that explores the seamless fusion of contemporary design with regional architectural elements.
The library spans approximately 10 meters in diameter and stands 5 meters tall. Its form transitions smoothly from one side of a semicircle to the other, creating a dynamic relationship between interior and exterior spaces. Constructed entirely from red bricks, the shell allows sunlight to cascade through an opening at the top, illuminating the interior floor with a warm glow.
Visitors can engage with the space by peering through small holes in the walls to read text embedded within acrylic spheres that appear to float against the exterior landscape. This interactive experience encourages exploration, guiding visitors through 24 unique spheres one by one.
Aligning bricks along the hyperbolic surface was a significant construction challenge. Each brick is carefully positioned using perforated steel plates and secured by pouring grout, ensuring structural integrity and precision.
To maintain radial continuity, 12 different brick widths were cut and laid out along the UV grid lines. This innovative approach redefines traditional brick construction by combining layered interlocking masonry with a grid-like grout application.
The resulting pixelated dot matrix pattern challenges conventional perceptions of brickwork, creating a unique structural logic and visual identity.
This project represents a bold innovation in rural architecture, blending digital techniques with traditional materials. It aims to offer visitors a transcendent experience that extends beyond its local context, inviting them to engage with both the external environment and the internal space on a deeper, more abstract level.
Project Information
Architect: Hechen Building
Project Year: 2023
Photographers: Zhu Qingyan, Tian Fangfang
Design Team: Chen Hao, Hu Chenchen, Hou Yida, Li Wenxi, Cai Xi
Structural Design: Zhang Zhun (He Zuo Structural Architecture Research Institute)
Structural Consultant: Hezuo Structural Architecture Research Institute
Location: Quzhou
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