LI City Library: A Reimagined Urban Cultural Hub in Tianmu Lake Resort

Liyang City's LI City Library, located in the Tianmu Lake Resort, showcases the transformative power of thoughtful design. Originally designed as an office building, the structure underwent a significant transformation, driven by the local government's vision to integrate dynamic social functions into the urban landscape. Today, the library not only provides a 24-hour accessible space for citizens and tourists to engage with literature but also functions as a shared cultural hub that enriches the community. The renovation, skillfully carried out by Greater Dog Architects, redefines the building's purpose, striking a perfect balance between modern functionality and cultural significance, and preserving its architectural integrity in a way that resonates with the community.

Architectural Reuse: Embracing and Evolving the Existing Framework

The building, which has three above-ground floors and one underground level, features a durable frame structure effectively repurposed to meet modern needs. More excellent Dog Architects utilized a strategy focused on reusing the building while redefining its spatial design. This approach not only preserved the building's historical significance but also reduced the project's environmental impact by minimizing the need for new construction materials. Removing the exterior walls and exposing the original beams and columns established a conversation between the old and the new. The addition of setback circular structural beams along the main facade transforms the building's exterior and reshapes the interior floor slabs, creating a seamless combination of preservation and innovation. This approach extends to the semi-outdoor entrance, set back from the main structure, where a deliberately extended circular traffic flow provides a peaceful buffer from the busy street outside.

Sustainability: Infusing the Building with Natural Light and Texture

The renovation focuses on bringing in natural light to open up the previously enclosed spaces. The frameless inner curved glass complements the strong frame structure, gracefully accentuating the building's architectural lines. The use of gray wooden tiles, meticulously re-dyed and pressed from recycled wood, gives the library a natural, tactile quality that harmonizes with its surroundings. A spiral staircase within a cylindrical space connects the main areas on each floor, optimizing the light flow and creating multiple links between the interior and the external environment.

Renewal: Enhancing Functionality for a New Era

The renovation of the LI City Library was not just about improving its appearance, but also about ensuring its readiness for a new era. The HVAC system from the early 1990s was upgraded to meet modern standards, and changes were made to the fire escape routes, lighting systems, and seismic capacity. The building's structure was reinforced to ensure its readiness for its new purpose. As a result, the renovated LI City Library, designed by Greater Dog Architects, is a modern and visually appealing structure that fits well with its urban surroundings and the natural beauty of the Tianmu Lake area. It now serves as a vibrant public space, meeting the community's needs for cultural engagement while preserving its historical significance. The renovation has given the library a fresh, dynamic identity that will ensure its relevance and vitality for years.

Project Information
Client: Jiangsu Tianmu Lake Holding Group Co., Ltd. Architecture and Interior Design: Greater Dog Architects Collaborator: Shanghai Urban Architectural Design Co., Ltd. Principal Architects: Jin XIN, Zhihong HU
Design Team: Manyan He, Keith Guo, Longlin Gong, Huge Shen, Alex Wu, Ella Tang, Vincent Wang
Structural Design: Shanghai Yijing Architectural Design Co., Ltd. Project Photography: Metaviz Studio
Project Address: No.375, Yingbin Avenue, Tianmu Lake Town, Liyang City, Jiangsu Prov- ince
Building Area: 2387 m2
Year Began: 2021
Completion: June, 2023

For more information, please visit: www.greater-dog.com

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 -Architecture Division