Long Gang Library (Taoyuan City Library Long Gang Branch) Introduction
Incorporating the concept of "organic" into architecture, architect Lu Jun-ting (CTLU Architect & Associates) designed the Longgang Library with the aim of allowing wind, light, water, and greenery to respond to urban dwellers' yearning for nature. The return to nature can be felt when walking along Section 4 of Zhongshan East Road, passing through the tangled banyan tree tunnel and the lush green slopes of Taiwan Trade Park. This library, ranked as "the most beautiful in Taiwan," features a minimalist design resembling a giant book, with large blank walls creating a visual quality akin to that of an art museum, allowing visitors to partake in an artistic feast before entering the imaginative world filled with words. Upon entering the library lobby, one's gaze is inevitably drawn to the intersecting curves of the 8-meter-high ceiling and the abundant wooden elements within the space, causing footsteps to slow down in appreciation of the tranquil atmosphere akin to reading under a tree. The staircase is adorned with conversations in multiple languages, including Burmese, Thai, and Vietnamese, adding an element of fun to the ascent while showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Longgang. The children's reading area on the second floor continues the natural ambiance with cedar and oak, while the fluid design of the seating area brings a lively feel to the space, encouraging readers to ignite their imagination and step into a fantastical world of words. This floor features a children's story room, providing a comfortable shared reading space for parents and children. The third and fourth floors are designated as the library's main collection area and self-study reading room, respectively. In contrast to the playful architectural vocabulary of the second floor, the use of natural wood textures combined with exposed concrete exudes a minimalist, intellectual quality. The design of large windows blurs the boundaries between the building and the greenery outside, allowing ample natural light to make every corner of the library suitable for reading. In addition to emphasizing interaction with the surrounding environment in its spatial planning, the library also features a rainwater recycling system and solar panels, among other green building materials, and has received a diamond-level green building certification.
