Standing tall on the Jiaxing waterfront, the library of the Yangtze River Delta Academy, a branch of the Beijing Institute of Technology, serves as a luminous landmark. Positioned at the heart of the entrance square, it embodies both spirit and culture. Its design reflects the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that defines the Beijing Institute of Technology, while also capturing the captivating essence of the Jiangnan water towns.
The library’s lighting design is a poetic narrative that weaves together light and shadow, telling the story of the intricate interplay between time, space, and human emotion.
The park’s three spatial axes are defined by steel truss corridors, each with its own distinct function and character. The lighting design echoes this theme, serving to articulate and reinforce the significance of each axis. As visitors traverse the walkways, the rhythm of light and shadow evolves, creating a dynamic interplay between illumination and movement.
The main entrance and the library building itself are strategically positioned along an architectural axis, culminating in the central square. Here, a symphony of light and shadow unfolds, creating a harmonious dialogue between architecture and the surrounding landscape. This rhythmic dance of light engages the senses, offering a unique experience.
The entrance corridor bridge is illuminated in a way that’s both sculptural and striking, showcasing technological ingenuity. The covered bridges spanning the river exhibit a mesmerizing, rhythmic beauty that enhances every step of the journey. Beyond the foundational lighting of the central corridor and the warmth provided by floor lamps, a “black hole” of knowledge is artfully carved into the seamless roof, which represents knowledge colliding with the ground to produce a circular reflection, symbolizing a harmonious confluence.
As visitors stroll along the corridors, diverse paths unfold, each revealing its own unique charm. As they navigate these passages, they become increasingly aware of the nuances of time and space, enhancing the continuity and transition between indoor and outdoor environments.
The entire library embodies a “lighthouse” design philosophy, manifested through both internal and external illumination. The lighting rhythm unfolds across three distinct levels: the main entrance space, the reading area, and the platform area. As one moves through the library, from the entrance to the reading area, then to the platform and special areas, and finally to the landscape area, each interplay of light and shadow reinforces this guiding concept. Light transcends its function as mere illumination; it becomes an emotional medium, the life force of the space, and a conduit for cultural expression.
The main entrance square serves as a prelude to the Hall of Knowledge. The slim column lighting mimics a soft drizzle, while the circular eaves evoke the image of raindrops. The external cables capture the poetic essence of “late autumn curtains” in the Jiangnan water town. Indirect light bathes the space from above like a halo, creating a welcoming and guiding atmosphere.
The reading area is a haven of tranquility, enhanced by a blend of indirect overhead lighting and foundational illumination at ground level. The lighting on the bookshelves and reading guides invites visitors on an immersive journey through the pages. The ground lighting, column lighting, and tree pond lighting on the second-floor platform resemble stars in the night sky, offering direction and beauty in the evening hours.
The sunken courtyard transforms into a stage for captivating light and shadow performances. The side projection lights on the stage, along with the seat area projection lighting, create a fan-shaped, open-air theater ideal for gatherings. The entrance platform of the lecture hall, nestled against the sculptural building, becomes a poetic space for conversation and relaxation.
The landscape area’s lighting is both simple and subtle. Gentle illumination graces the trees, bridge decks, and waterside flora, enhancing the warm atmosphere of the evening. The lighting adjacent to the rest area, square, and pathway is soft and welcoming, existing in harmony with the natural surroundings and fostering a serene experience under the night sky.
