Longgang Library (Taoyuan City Library Longgang Branch) Introduction
Integrating the concept of "organic" into architecture, allowing wind, light, water, and greenery to respond to urban dwellers' yearning for nature, was the philosophy behind architect Lu Jun-ting's (CTLU Architect & Associates) design of the Longgang Library. The return to nature in daily life can be experienced while walking along Section 4 of Zhongshan East Road, passing through the intertwining banyan tree tunnel and the lush grass slopes of the Taiwan Trade Park. This library, acclaimed as "the most beautiful in Taiwan", features a minimalist design resembling a gigantic book with large blank walls that create a museum-like visual quality, allowing visitors to partake in an artistic feast before stepping into a world of words. Upon entering the library's hall, one cannot help but be captivated by the interwoven curves of the 8-meter high ceiling and the abundance of wooden elements throughout the space, prompting a leisurely pace to savor the tranquility reminiscent of reading beneath a tree. The corner staircase is adorned with multilingual conversations in Burmese, Thai, and Vietnamese, adding a playful element to the ascent while showcasing Longgang's rich cultural diversity. The children's reading area on the second floor continues the natural ambiance with fragrant cedar and oak, while the streamlined design of the seating area imparts a sense of vitality, encouraging readers to ignite their imagination and step into a fantastical world of words. This floor also features a children’s story house, providing a comfortable shared reading space for parents and children. The third and fourth floors house the library's main collection area and self-study reading room respectively, where the use of original wood textures combined with exposed concrete exudes a minimalistic intellectual quality, contrasting with the playful architectural vocabulary of the second floor. The large window design blurs the boundaries between the building and the surrounding greenery, with abundant light making every corner suitable for reading. In addition to emphasizing interaction with the surrounding environment in spatial planning, the library is equipped with rainwater recycling systems, solar panels, and various green building materials, earning it a diamond-level green building certification.
