How about stepping into a realm where knowledge meets architectural grandeur? This is the Library of Tsinghua University. It stands as a landmark on the Tsinghua University campus.
Initially designed by American architect Henry Murphy, its construction finished in 1919. The library embodies the University’s historical context. It addresses the need for development in regards to teaching and academic disciplines. The design exemplifies the architectural approach to fulfilling its historical and functional significance.
The Old Library is a key academic venue. It witnessed the university’s transformation. It went from an academy to a modern educational institution. The Old Library provided students with academic resources. It became a cultural landmark on campus. Today, the Old Library hosts academic events and cultural exchanges.
Let’s talk about the library’s architecture. The Old Library has red bricks and white stone decorations. It creates a simple and harmonious aesthetic. The main entrance features three arched structures. Classical stone columns exude elegance. It incorporates traditional Chinese culture. This reflects a fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles.
The Tsinghua University Library System comprises the Main Library. It also has six branch libraries. They include Humanities & Social Sciences Library and the Architecture Library. Also, there is a Fine Arts Library.
The Main Library covers 42,820 square meters. It includes the Old Library, West Library and North Library. The West and North Libraries integrate harmoniously with the Old Library.
In 1912, a small-scale “Tsinghua Library Room” was established formally. The stand-alone library building was completed in March 1919. It was named Tsinghua College Library. It was one of the four earliest buildings on the campus.
The rapid increase of library collections outgrew the building’s capacity. The addition of the central and Western sections began in March 1930. It was designed by architect Yang Tingbao.
Before the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Library collection reached over 360,000 volumes. During the Anti-Japanese War period, Tsinghua University moved to the South. The collection suffered from the Japanese Army’s bombing.
In 1946, Tsinghua University returned to Beijing. During the war, the library was used as a hospital by the Japanese army. The library collection suffered a heavy loss of 175,000 volumes.
By the end of 2022, the total physical collection was about 5,786,100 volumes. In addition to printed books, there are ancient books and periodicals. There are also doctoral and master’s theses.
The West Library, or Yifu Library, was built in September 1991. Guan Zhaoye designed it. The West Library followed the same architectural style. It integrates harmoniously into the Old Library. The West Library was rated as one of the “Top Ten Buildings in Beijing in the 1990s”.
The North Library, or Mochtar Riady Library, was completed in 2016. It houses more than 600,000 books. In 2018, the North Library received the gold medal in the Public Building category.
The Library of Tsinghua University is more than just a building. It is a treasure trove of knowledge. It is a testament to the university’s commitment to learning and research. Its rich history and architectural beauty make it a must-see destination.