Project of the main library in Shanghai by schmidt hammer lassen

The most populous Chinese city, which has a population equivalent to that of two Czech Republics, will host a central urban and scientific library designed by the Danish studio Schmidt Hammer Lassen, known in the past for the project of the "Black Diamond" for the Royal Danish Library.
The project originated from a two-round architectural competition, in which David Chipperfield, Kengo Kuma, and Dominique Perrault participated among others. The structural aspect of the project is handled by the Berlin office Schlaich Bergermann Partner.
The new library will be built on a prestigious site in the middle of a city park, near two other significant institutions: the Oriental Center and the Technical Museum.
The expanding building with its distinct horizontal divisions will offer views through slits into the adjacent park. The wood-clad atrium, featuring three giant reading halls stacked vertically, will create a contemplative atmosphere.
The white semi-transparent crystal, however, will not only serve as a giant repository of books with reading halls, but primarily as a place for sharing experiences. The main concept is captured by the architects as “from collection to connection.” The library was created by merging the Shanghai Municipal Library and the scientific library. It is expected to start serving university students as early as 2020.