Xtendere Architecture Design an Urban and Minimalistic Library

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an urban and minimalistic library design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Xtendere Architecture.

“Mother’s House Library · Airport Library” is not only a library but also a bridge linking Quanzhou culture. Relying on the airport environment, it presents the form of a library in the new era, realising the transformation from a single function to a multi-integrated cultural display space, and expanding the attributes of a variety of scenes.

What was the client’s brief? 

Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport is a 4D-level airport operated by Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport Co., Ltd. The airport was originally established in 1955 as a military airport and serves as a bridge linking Quanzhou to the world and a driving force for development.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration of this project comes from the vivid memory of urban culture in southern Fujian, and from the interpretation of hometown feelings. We hope to build an open and public library and gather people in the airport in various ways of social ceremony activities such as “physical presence, joint participation, emotional exchange and resonance” to create a harmonious interpersonal atmosphere, narrow the distance between tourists and urban culture, and stimulate tourists’ sense of identity with urban culture.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

How to break through the traditional expression techniques of Minnan culture and express Minnan culture with modern design techniques, so that Minnan elements can be presented in a more comfortable and gentle way in the new era and space, which will infect every visitor invisibly. At the same time, affected by the epidemic, how to ensure the smooth and perfect landing of the project is also an obstacle we face.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The landing of this project is a demonstration of regional culture and the spread of local spirit. It presents the form of a library in the new era, absorbs the artistic form of multi-culture, and connects with the direct value realisation of urban development empowerment, opening a window for Quanzhou culture to spread abroad.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

SBID Awards is a platform for displaying design works and talents. On the one hand, I want to establish a good reputation in the industry through this award and increase the wider publicity and promotion of my works. On the other hand, it is an opportunity for learning and development, and I can learn the latest design trends and improve my design skills and knowledge through the competition.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being shortlisted for the SBID Awards finals means that the jury recognises and affirms our professional ability and creative level for me and my enterprise. This also gives us greater responsibility and obligation to explore local culture and endow traditional culture with new expressions and communication forms through design.