The Beijing sub-centre library by Snøhetta features an amphitheatre-like space promoting interaction and exchange of knowledge. Extended from the sculpted reading landscape are columns that support the roof creating a ginkgo forest-like canopy.
Atelier tao+c conceived and created the interior design of the Capsule Hostel and Bookstore in Qinglongwu, China, as “a building inside a building.” The project has been named the World Interior of the Year for 2021.
The sensuously curved and multi-functional organic concrete structure of the Wormhole Library is punctured, creating voids of varying sizes that let the light into the interiors.
The inclusive microlibrary Warak Kayu by architecture studio SHAU is made from locally sourced wood and takes advantage of the tropica climate to minimise energy consumption.
2019 Best Architecture. Zaha Hadid Architects’ giant starfish-shaped airport in Beijing and Thomas Heatherwick’s architectural sculpture in New York, but also a former locomotive hangar turned into an indoor urban plaza and an inclusive LGBT Center in L.A. are among our favourite architectures of the year.
Lochal Library by Civic Architects hosts co-working spaces, conference rooms, education spaces and a large city hall thrive in a former locomotive hangar in the Netherlands.
John Ronan Architects’ mixed-use building ‘Independence Library & Apartments’ in Chicago brings together people of all ages.
Architecture studio SHAU completed the Microlibrary Bima to tackle illiteracy with a social-driven structure tuning with the local motto “books are the windows to the world’.
The vertical branches of menorah candelabrums and prayer garments inspired the Hillel House, Stanley Saitowitz | Natoma Architects’ Jewish community center across Downtown Philadelphia.
Tabanlıoğlu Architects grafted onto the historic fabric of Beyazit State Library to preserve centuries of culture in one of the most vibrant districts of Istanbul.
Studio MK27 designs the interiors of a Sao Paulo penthouse featuring a giant wooden shelving, Brazilian, Scandinavian and Italian furniture… and a panoramic view on the city.
Studio Farris Architects emptied a small barn and created an office space defined by a sculptural wooden structure.
X+Living designs the Zhonghuge wonderland bookstore to astonish readers’ with an infinite idea of culture thanks to mirrored ceilings, roller-coasters and pirate ships made of books and a pure white forest of filled shelves.
Theaster Gates Jr. opens The Stony Island Arts Bank by transforming a derelict bank building in Chicago into a thriving art centre to preserve the city’s black culture heritage and to give space to the next generation of creatives.