NE WS
Oak was chosen to create a warm and calming atmosphere
Beijing Fenghemuchen Space Design create serene wooden library and café Beijing Fenghemuchen Space Design have created a 1,170sq m library, coffee shop and cultural space in China’s Hangzhou City that is contained and shaped by natural wooden bookshelves and elements
T
he aim was to create a
walls of the space, with smaller units
reading-themed space
used to divide and sculpt the layout.
that could also be used for
A large glass wall on the lower
shared experiences and
level and large windows on the
community purposes.
upper level allow plenty of natural
Designers Yi Chen and Muchen Zhang
chose to use oak throughout for its warmth and natural feel as a
light in and provide views of a garden outside, reinforcing the sense of being in a natural space. In addition to areas for reading
material – and for the subsequent
and drinking coffee, the Yue Library
sense of calm that it offers.
has areas dedicated to the different
They explained: “By building and shaping the space with natural wood, a kind of resonance with the human
senses, including a space for discussion and a children’s playground. It is also intended to act as a
body can be created, which adds a
versatile hub for community groups
dimension of warmth and kindness
and cultural experiences like literary,
to everything we do in the space,
arts, movie and music events.
making it a soothing and relaxing retreat from urban pressure.” Bookshelves stretch up to 10m (33ft) high, effectively becoming the
64 CLADglobal.com 4 2019
Yi Chen and Muchen Zhang
Design work began in April 2018 and construction began in March 2019. The library was completed this summer.
By building and shaping the space with natural wood, a kind of resonance with the human body can be created, making it a soothing and relaxing retreat from urban pressure