Situated on a lush hill in Huizhou City, China, the Water Drop Library by 3andwich Design features a striking circular geometry with a long straight corridor that greets visitors. An extensive use of glass, and dramatic interiors with lighting add to the poetic nature of the building, while a bowl shaped roof with a pool give the sense of being in an underwater space.
The geometry of the building is a dynamic combination of a circle and a line. The main structure of the building has a circular plane, while the straight line is the outer corridor and long wall that leads people from the top of the hill to the building. The entirety of the library is white, with edges of the corridor and long wall emphasizing the geometric composition that attracts users and leads them to the roof pool and sea.
Embedded in the a hill, the building blends with its landscape, forming a link between nature and the human world. Given its hillside context, the design includes a steep path called the ‘path to the mountain of books.' The architects explain that ‘Readers need to step up and understand the pain of learning.’
To enter the library, visitors process down the corridor and ‘dive into’ the main space beneath the pool. From here, the interior features a number of dramatic rooms that play between light and dark, open and closed spaces.
A porch at the end of the outdoor corridor presents itself as a narrow transition space. Guests enter a circular volume in the middle by turning left from the porch. This room accommodates a reading area, and can also host small exhibitions.
With extended glass openings that offer striking views of the sea and surrounding environment, the reading area is primarily composed of white, light grey, and other bright tones. The curved shape enhances the tranquil atmosphere. In addition to the glass curtain wall, seats and small tables provide space where guests can quietly read while taking in the surroundings.
Bookshelves are arranged in a ring on the inner wall and extend outward to form a cloud-like shape in the ceiling and lower areas. A stepped seating area along side this provides additional area for informal reading.
