The library was inspired by the idea of a tree growing out of the ground, with roots spreading out providing a place to rest and think. The building form floats and drops symbolic roots that spiral down into the ground around a sunken inner courtyard. The meeting point of the ground plane and the roots cause undulations and ripples across the site. The floating main library volume twists to maximise views of both the ocean to the south and a mountain to the north. As the form of the building undulates, it creates a variety of spaces for both large gatherings and more intimate personal areas for study and research. A veil of perforated brass wraps around the library to diffuse the daylight entering the spaces and to mimic the soft light found under a large tree canopy.

AIA Hong Kong Honors & Awards 2011 - Merit Award for Unbuilt Project

Design Partner - Ted Givens

Architectural Team
Mohamad Ghamlouch, Emre Icdem, Judy Chan, Abraham Fung