Dalian Library and Media Centre: A Community Center for the City / 10 Design

The library conceived by 10 Design is intended to be a transformative environment that pulls visitors into a unique landscape. The building weaves into the ground creating a series of courtyards and topographic undulations- rooting itself, and then sweeping up into the air forming a bold urban landmark. The shifting of the mass creates spaces ranging from the intimate spaces for reflection in the courtyard to the dynamic and expansive views offered from the tower volume. The tower volume has a series of internal voids and terraced spaces to further enhance the variety of spatial conditions and to provide internal connectivity. A series of retail functions including cafes will help draw a larger audience to the library. A large media center that shares the central drop-off can be used after hours and function independently.
The mass responds and is shaped by views into the site and outward to the surrounding sea and mountains. A green hill over the media center forms an outdoor gathering space and amphitheater and will offer water views to the southern sea. A roof top café on the tower volume provides panoramic views of the mountains and sea.
The façade of the library is a dark grey brass that will develop a beautiful patina over time. The metal skin will have a natural resistance to the marine conditions and harsh weather. The smaller voids in the buildings mass will use an anodized aluminum brass alloy to remain vibrant and colorful as the rest of the building transforms with time.
Ted Givens and his team have previously submitted the scheme to the Dalian Planning Bureau for an international design competition. In the competition, 10 is pleased to be able to compete with some of the world’s most high profile architects including Zaha Hadid Architects, Kengo Kuma and Associates, Hopkins Architects and AC Architects .” Givens says, “Although the decision on the commission of this project is yet to be announced, we are proud that the design has already gained recognition from a professional body, the AIA.”
Design team at 10: Ted Givens, Abraham Fung , Emre Icdem, Judy Chan, Mohamad Ghamlouch, Shane Dale
Landscape Design: Ewa Koter
Site area: 45,400 sq m
GFA: 55,400 sq m
Building Height & Nos of Floors: +39.00 m / 6F above ground, 2F below ground
Function: Library & Media Centre

Timayui Kindergarten design by Giancarlo Mazzanti

Architects: Giancarlo Mazzanti
Location: Santa Marta, Colombia
Design Team: Susana Somoza, Andr√©s Sarmiento, N√©stor Gualteros, Oscar Cano, Lucia Largo
Structural Engineer: Nicolas Parva
Project Year: 2011
Photographs: Jorge Gamboa
Starting from the special understanding of Malaguzzi Loris pedagogical philosophy, was born the idea of creating an element that suggests 3 interrelated centralities, and which cause a range of situations and experiences among children, teachers and family.
Moreover, in pragmatic terms there is a need to generate progressive growth for future linkage more children to the Center, is thought to employ a modular system (based on the 3 centers) which can be added modules depending on the needs and expansion possibilities in terms of available area.
Following the morphology of the site, a chain system is created, based on a module type that holds the architectural program requirements and spatially follows the education center. Therefore creating meeting places for the free entertainment that involves learning.
The module type is characterized as a flexible and neutral space that allows the development of multiple activities within it. It relates with the nearest external surroundings [indoor and outdoor yard] allowing a close relationship among all children and teachers.