"The Tianjin Binhai Library, located on Xusheng Road in the Binhai district of Tianjin, China, stands as one of the city’s most remarkable cultural landmarks and architectural marvels.

Designed by the renowned Dutch architectural firm MVRDV in collaboration with Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute, the library opened its doors in 2017 and quickly became famous worldwide for its futuristic and visually striking design.

Upon entering the library, visitors are greeted by a cavernous atrium dominated by a luminous spherical auditorium, reminiscent of a giant eye at the heart of the building.

Natural light plays a pivotal role in shaping the ambiance, with large windows allowing daylight to flood into the main hall.

The space is surrounded by undulating, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that sweep around the central sphere in a continuous wave, creating a mesmerizing sense of motion and vastness. This design not only captivates the imagination but also maximizes storage for both books and visitors, encouraging exploration across multiple levels.

The cascading shelves, which rise to the ceiling, give the library its iconic look and make for an extraordinary and immersive atmosphere. While some of the shelves in the upper reaches are filled with aluminum plates printed with book spines rather than actual books, the effect is no less impressive, contributing to the building’s sense of grandeur and scale.

The ground floors and lower levels house a vast collection of books, reading rooms, and multimedia spaces tailored to serve the needs of avid readers, families, and students alike.

The library covers over 33,700 square meters and can hold more than 1.2 million books.

It features dedicated spaces for children, adults, community gatherings, and events, making it not just a venue for quiet reading but a vibrant hub for learning and cultural exchange.

Functionally, the library is well-equipped with modern facilities, Wi-Fi access, and technology-supported areas to complement traditional reading zones.

Navigating through the building feels like a journey into an imaginative realm, where architecture and literature seamlessly converge.

The Tianjin Binhai Library has contributed to transforming the urban landscape of Binhai, attracting tourists and locals alike who come to marvel at its design or simply enjoy a peaceful reading session.

Its accessibility by public transport and proximity to other cultural attractions makes it a frequent stop for visitors exploring the city.

In essence, Tianjin Binhai Library is more than just a repository for books, it is a testament to architectural innovation, community spirit, and a celebration of the written word.

It has rapidly established itself as both a symbol of modern China and an inspirational space for people of all ages to gather, learn, and be inspired."

A J Bashha

"Amazing library in Binhai, plenty of space to study with a huge array of books, both Chinese and English. Inside the main cultural centre there is plenty to see and do. Foreigners can enter easily, registration via QR code enter name and passport, they didn't even check my code on entry. Have fun!"

Danny Henley-Martin

"Tianjin Binhai Library - 天津滨海新区图书馆 nicknamed The Eye, is a library in Tianjin, China. It is part of the Binhai Cultural Center, being one of its five central attractions

The five-level library has a total space of 33,700 square metres. It features floor-to-ceiling, terraced bookshelves able to hold 1.2 million books,and a large, luminous sphere in the center that serves as an auditorium with a capacity of 110 people. The library is nicknamed 'The Eye' because the sphere, which appears like an iris, can be seen from the park outside through an eye-shaped opening.

In the first week after opening day, approximately 10,000 people a day came, causing queues outside.

The first and second floors contain mainly lounge areas and reading rooms. The floors above have computer rooms, meeting rooms, and offices. There are also two rooftop patios. Because of a decision to complete the library quickly and a conflict with what was officially approved, the main atrium cannot be used for book storage; the rooms providing access to the upper tiers of shelving were not built and book spines were printed onto the backs of the shelf space for the opening-day photographs.

The library was designed by the Rotterdam-based architectural firm MVRDV along with the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute (TUPDI), a group of local architects. Because of a tight construction schedule by the local government, the project went from preliminary drawings to its doors opening within three years. It opened in October 2017"

Think Wisely