Tianjin Binhai Library

About

Tianjin Binhai Library, located in Tianjin, China, is a landmark known for its futuristic design and extensive book collection. Completed in 2017, it spans 33,700 square meters and houses 1.2 million books. The library is part of the Binhai Cultural Center and features a striking spherical auditorium nicknamed "The Eye," visible from outside through an oval opening. This design element is central to the building's innovative architecture, which includes terraced bookshelves that create a topographical landscape both inside and out. The library serves as a social hub and educational center, offering diverse facilities such as reading rooms, lounge areas, meeting rooms, and computer rooms across its five levels. Despite a tight construction schedule that limited access to upper bookshelves, the library remains a popular and iconic destination, often referred to as the "Most beautiful library of China." Its design by MVRDV and the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute has earned it several architectural awards, solidifying its status as a cultural and architectural highlight in Tianjin.