Atelier Xi has built a unique library located in China's Henan province. The site of the library originally was home to an abandoned and derelict house. The architects took the walls remaining from the ruins of the old house and used them to construct a contemporary structure.
Library in Ruins sits adjacent to other public building structures and stands as the focal point due to its unique design. A large curvilinear concrete structure emerges from the existing walls. The new structure greatly contrasts the original walls which creates a dialogue between the old and the new. The undulating shape of the concrete roofs echos the topography of the surrounding mountains. The roof is completed with an outdoor terrace and a slide for children.
Ruin-Embracing Designs
Atelier Xi Embraces Existing Ruins in a New Library Design
Trend Themes
1. Ruin-embracing Architecture - Opportunity for architects to adopt innovative design practices that embrace existing ruins.
2. Sustainable Construction - Opportunity for builders to incorporate sustainable practices by repurposing existing structures and materials.
3. Heritage Preservation - Opportunity for preservationists to collaborate with architects to promote heritage preservation via creative reuse of ruins.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architecture firms can explore the concept of ruin-embracing designs to promote sustainable and innovative design practices.
2. Construction - Construction companies can adopt sustainable and innovative practices by reusing existing structures and materials.
3. Heritage Preservation - Heritage preservation organizations can collaborate with architects to promote the preservation of existing structures by creatively repurposing them for modern use.