North Campus Library, Northwest A&F University

Architectural Design & Research Institute of SCUT – TaoZhi Studio | Xianyang, China (2022)

The North Campus Library at Northwest A&F University, designed by the Architectural Design & Research Institute of SCUT – TaoZhi Studio, stands as a new cultural landmark that redefines the role of the library in the contemporary academic landscape. Completed in 2022, the 45,157 m² building integrates learning, research, leisure, and cultural exchange, establishing itself as the intellectual heart of the university’s historic campus in Xianyang, China.

A Cultural Hub within the Campus Axis

As one of the largest new buildings on the campus, the design carefully considers the spatial relationship with the central axis and surrounding landscape. With its peaceful, open, and minimalist architectural form, the library is envisioned not only as a repository of knowledge but also as a campus cultural center—a place for innovation, collaboration, and relaxation.

The Ark in the Forest

One of the most distinctive design gestures is the west-facing slope, which connects the building to the adjacent park. This landscape platform invites students to read, rest, and gather outdoors, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature. The building itself rises like an ark resting on a grassy slope, embodying a sense of stability, shelter, and timelessness.

Digital Facade Design & Material Expression

The library’s facade design combines digital technology with prefabricated construction. Using GRC curtain wall panels in four standard modular sizes, the building achieves a refined rhythm and dynamic play of light and shadow throughout the day. Each panel, measuring 4.6m x 1.5m, integrates windows, thermal insulation, and waterproofing, allowing for efficient installation and durability.

Special attention is given to detail: the vertical texture of the precast panels enhances shadow play, while the LiTraCon (light-transmitting concrete) nameplate at the northwest corner seamlessly integrates with the facade by day and transforms into a glowing landmark at night.

Book Mountain – Interior Spatial Concept

The interior design draws inspiration from the Chinese poem: “There is a road in the book mountain.” This concept is expressed through a central atrium and two courtyards, where staircases, bookshelves, and walls merge into a unified spatial composition. These elements create a multi-functional “book mountain”, encouraging exploration and discovery.

Multiple staircases provide varied routes through the building, offering students unique perspectives and experiences as they ascend from floor to floor. At the top, a skylight atrium with frosted glass and shading louvers filters daylight into a soft glow, creating a comfortable and contemplative reading environment.

Even technical elements become part of the design language: exposed structural dampers double as decorative features, reinforcing the integration of function and aesthetics.

A New Generation of Campus Libraries

The North Campus Library at Northwest A&F University is more than an academic facility—it is a symbol of knowledge, cultural identity, and community life. With its innovative facade system, poetic interior design, and seamless landscape integration, the project reimagines the role of the university library in the 21st century.