Together with the Cultural Bureau and the existing Performing Arts Center, the Hsinchu Municipal Library forms a new cultural plaza. The site plan aims to connect the old city moat green belt to the green park continuing northeast. The traditional library programs are closer to the ground while an elevated "cloud" volume symbolizes the future of knowledge exchange. Programs within the “cloud” include reading room, special collection, exhibition, café, and auditorium. The twist of the cloud provides ramp access to the rooftop terrace above the library overlooking the city.
Primary programs and circulation are arranged around the central core of the library -- the stacks, the building block of libraries. Traditional elements for all ages, from children to elderly, are located on the first three levels. Up above, the "cloud" part of the library takes on a more fluid form that represents the future and becomes an important platform for cultural and information exchange.
The base of the library is terraced as a continuation of the green belt and to provide plazas and platforms for outdoor activities. The rooftop of the cloud is accessible as a public lawn with breathtaking elevated view of the city. Below, the cloud creates a gateway to the cultural plaza, serving as a canopy and drawing wind through to create a comfortable environment for outdoor activities.
Materiality of the library reflect the past and future of Hsinchu’s cultural heritage: the beige stone reminiscent of the ancient 18th century city gate and the cloud form above clad in copper and glass to signify Hsinchu's important status as the Silicon Valley of Taiwan.
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