• 2014-10-28

On October 28, 2014 NCL Director-general Tseng Shu-hsien and accompanying staff visited the library at world-renowned Delft University of Technology (TU Delft).  It was built by the famous Dutch architectural firm Mecanoo in 1998. Ms. Liesbeth Mantel from the library explained to the NCL delegation the concepts behind the design.

While the library is located deep within the campus, its white steel cone surrounded by expansive lawns makes it easily identifiable from the distance. The cone contains four levels of reading rooms, with the majority of library space being below the grass lawns. The library interior was designed to flow out from the large central hall. Shelves of books, the periodical reading room, offices, and study rooms are all connected to the main hall via transparent glass. Natural light is also let into the library via the windows.

In addition, the tip of the cone is made of glass, which not only allows sunlight into the library, but also brings in outside air via convection. This type of design gives the interior of the library a roomy and bright feel. There are a total of 1,000 seats available in the library, 300 of which have computers, as well as an audiovisual area and discussion area. During the visit that day almost all the seats were occupied.