#ss:architecture

[themessbox]

Found some caps of a book I borrowed from my grandfather to look over a couple years ago. I should really see if I can borrow it again or just go over and take some better pictures of it for my personal repository. It’s an architecture book from 1955 compiling the classic styles of American construction up to that point. The art is quite lovely and of course as an architecture nerd I find all the little notes and details extremely fascinating. 

[themessbox]

Liyuan Library

I’m doing some self-studies on Chinese culture and came across this lovely library yesterday and had to know more about it. Built into the hills around Huairou, (a small village about two hours out of Beijing) this lovely glass house construction serves as a modest library for the locals and day-trippers from the surrounding cities. I find it particularly neat because the architect, Li Xiaodong Atelier, chose to use a common local commodity; simple firewood sticks, to cover the entire glass facade. This both gives the interior a soft natural glow and allows the exterior to blend harmoniously with its surround. Really seems like a rad place to read.

Further reading and sources

Chinese Architecture, Old and New - Original Atlantic Article that inspired the search. There are several really cool buildings in this article I’ll probably be looking into with greater detail in the coming months just for the heck of it. I’m particularly fascinated with the Earthwork constructions but I’m digressing now so we’ll leave it there. 

Archdaily - With notes from the Architech himself, I recommend this in particular if you are interested and don’t read anything else.

Architectmagazine - Includes a few amazing pictures of the building and woods around the library.

New York Times 

*All images come from these articles or google image search. I do not claim any credit.*