Well-known MVRDV-designed crystal cave building – a futuristic sci-fi scene library

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department, compiled and reported

The renowned Dutch architectural firm MVRDV is always coming up with ingenious ideas to create extraordinary buildings, with works spread all over the world. Following the stunning Tianjin Binhai Library in China, they recently plan to build a futuristic sci-fi library in Germany, with a unique design reminiscent of scenes from the movie Inception.

This library building, “The Milestone,” will be located in the ancient town of Esslingen in southern Germany. This medieval old town is rich in historical atmosphere, and a series of large-scale urban renewal projects are planned, one of which is this library, aiming to create an urban image that blends tradition and modernity.

This new library covers an area of 6,500 square meters and is a mixed-use building that combines a library, café, restaurant, and assembly plaza. Its exterior looks like a giant crystal, with irregular geometries and mirrored designs that resemble the rotating and twisting scenes from movies like Inception and Doctor Strange.

The exterior of the Milestone Library features a transparent facade with partially reflective materials and a glass mirror curtain wall embedded with solar cells. Geometric blocks are used to create an inwardly recessed exterior, forming an opening in the shape of the Esslingen map. The crystal cave-like design illuminates the surrounding hillside scenery of the city.