Schmidt Hammer Lassen has designed the East branch of Shanghai's Library in Shanghai, China.Inspired by the Taihu stone favoured by ancient Chinese literati and scholars, the East branch demonstrates the importance of creativity, collaboration and public art to the city.

In order to maximise the use of the site's advantages, four atrium reading spaces were designed around the building to connect people with the city, parks and nature.

From the inside out, visitors in different reading spaces will have different views of the landscape: Century Park to the east, Reading Forest to the south and the Shanghai city skyline to the west and north.

From the outside in, these spaces act as a huge projection screen, showcasing the dynamics inside the library to the outside world.

This project has been shortlisted in the civic project category of Dezeen Awards China 2023.

Studio: Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Project: Shanghai Library East
Credits: Shanghai Architectural Design and Research Institute, Aspect Studios, Schlaich Bergermann Partner, Buro Happold, Transsolar, 2 x 4, Leox, Hejia Curtain Wall Design, Shanghai Architectural Design Institute Curtain Wall Institute, DS-Plan, Shanghai Construction Engineering Fourth Construction Group, Xu Bing, Shen Fan, Gu Wenda, Zheng Chongbin, Yang Zhenzhong, Ni Youyu, Liu Wenxuan, Ma Xingwen, Emily Floyd, Plummer & Smith, UAP (Shanghai) Art Design Consulting, RawVision Studio and Tian Fangfang