Tainan is a city born from a history of diverse cultures, peoples and traditions.
![Tainan Public Library](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Tainan-Public-Library-by-Mecanoo-01-1-876x619.jpg)
The urban fabric holds memories from the 17th century European maritime trading, the Qing Dynasty Ruling, and the Japanese settlement of the early 1900s.
![Tainan Public Library](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Tainan-Public-Library-by-Mecanoo-02-1-876x541.jpg)
On top of its rich history, modern Tainan is developing as a central city in the knowledge-based economy. The new library is a built expression of the social, cultural and traditional facets that have amalgamated to form the city of Tainan.
![Tainan Public Library](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Tainan-Public-Library-by-Mecanoo-03-1-876x619.jpg)
Stepped facade
Mecanoo and MAYU’s design for the Tainan Public Library represents the meeting of cultures, generations and histories. Rational yet elegant structural lines and a sensitive use of light and shadow characterise the building’s timeless design. Reaching up into the sky, the building’s perimeter increases on each level.
![Tainan Public Library](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Tainan-Public-Library-by-Mecanoo-04-1-876x541.jpg)
The result is a large canopy that provides shade to the transparent stepped facade and below-grade courtyards. Around the perimeter of the Lower Ground Floor is an outdoor children’s play area. A floor-to-ceiling glazed wall creates a visual connection between the play area and indoor children’s reading room.
![Tainan Public Library](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Tainan-Public-Library-by-Mecanoo-05-1-876x541.jpg)
A sunken plaza on the same level is a multifunctional outdoor space for hosting talks, exhibitions or social gatherings. With a café adjacent, it is designed as a social destination for curious minds, creating a peaceful space for reading, group work, or socialising.
![Tainan Public Library](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Tainan-Public-Library-by-Mecanoo-06-1-876x622.jpg)
Adaptable to future needs
The entrance lobby rises three levels up to show the library’s internal configuration and the layering of floors. The generous open-plan spaces ensure the library can be adapted to future needs.
![Tainan Public Library](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Tainan-Public-Library-by-Mecanoo-07-1-876x541.jpg)
On the top floor, a delicate second skin is wrapped around the building, filtering the light and reducing solar heat gain. A pattern of typical Tainan window frames is transposed onto vertical louvres and represents the city’s evolving relationship with its past. Source by Mecanoo.
![Tainan Public Library](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Tainan-Public-Library-by-Mecanoo-08-876x541.jpg)