Winning designs for Shanghai's city library

The slatted appearance and angled windows overlooking parkland create a spacious interior and 'a sanctuary for knowledge and media in the trees'.

The library will join the Science and Technology Museum and the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre on Century Avenue, which connects Century Park to the city's business district.

Natural light fills the interior through the fritted glass bands that wrap around the building and a large skylight above the central atrium. Three staggered reading rooms are arranged around the atrium and feature low walls and open seating to promote transparency and spaciousness. Curved timber walls, bookshelves, and floors give the modern interior a sense of warmth. The Shanghai Library is expected to open in 2020.

You can view the images and a slideshow by following the news links on the right.