By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department, compiled and reported
The bidding competition for the "Tainan Public Library Main Branch New Construction Project" commissioning planning, design, and supervision was participated in by 17 firms specialized in library design. The goal was not just to “build a library,” but to use this opportunity to further establish Tainan as a city of literature and achieve the vision of a book-loving city.
First-prize design for the Tainan Public Library Main Branch competition. (Image source / Tainan Public Library)
The estimated budget is NT$1.8124 billion, with the main construction contract budget set at NT$1.407 billion. Among this, the procurement amount for the “Tainan Public Library Main Branch New Construction Project – Commissioned Planning, Design, and Supervision Technical Services” is approximately NT$80 million. The selection for a forward-thinking and creative planning, design, and supervision team for the “Tainan Public Library Main Branch” has concluded, with the first prize going to the joint architectural firm of Michael Lin & Partners Architects (led by Michael Lin and Chen Yulin) in collaboration with the Dutch firm Mecanoo Architecten. The second to fifth places were awarded to Jiuyuan Joint Architectural Firm, Dayuan Joint Architectural Firm, Dayu Joint Architectural Firm, and Pan Chi Joint Architectural Firm, respectively.
First-prize design for the Tainan Public Library Main Branch competition – an elegantly lofty indoor reading environment. (Image source / Tainan Public Library)
The first-prize-winning team, led by architect Michael Lin, impressed judges both domestically and internationally with its minimalist and user-friendly design that focused on the functionality of the building itself. The design also takes into account spatial flexibility, light permeability, and budgetary rationality. The selection committee placed emphasis not only on aesthetics but also specifically on “space,” “circulation,” and “feasibility.” With natural materials and organic structural lines, the building gradually extends outward from low to high, providing shade for readers and creating a bright, simple, and friendly semi-outdoor space. Slender columns resembling bamboo support the structure, while the exterior features a map of Tainan from the Qing Dynasty, reflecting the area’s historical and cultural context. The design showcases a blend of old and new, tradition and modernity. The architectural team hopes the Tainan Public Library will become a space for civic reading and living—a green oasis of knowledge within the city.
First-prize design for the Tainan Public Library Main Branch competition – nighttime view. (Image source / Tainan Public Library)
The first-place winner secures the right of first negotiation for pricing, while the second and third-place firms receive prize money of NT$600,000 and NT$500,000, respectively. The fourth and fifth-place winners each receive NT$200,000 in prize money. The Tainan Public Library Main Branch is expected to open in 2018. The Dutch firm Mecanoo Architecten, founded in Delft in 1984, is also working on projects such as the Kaohsiung Weiwuying Arts Center (scheduled to officially open in October 2016) and the undergrounding of Kaohsiung Railway Station. This award-winning bid has garnered significant attention and acclaim.