National University Library in Taipei
The Koo Chen-fu Memorial Library (named after the Taiwanese businessman and diplomat also known as C.F. Koo) at the College of Social Sciences of NTU (National Taipei University) houses the most comprehensive collection in the field of social sciences in Taiwan. The building, designed to resemble the crowns of trees, combines modern technology with natural influences. During the day, when students are absorbed in books, sunlight passes through the ceiling and illuminates the pages. At night, the library, surrounded by a shallow pond, radiates a calming light into the surroundings. The library undoubtedly adds beauty to the university at any time of day.
At the entrance to the reading hall, a more experienced and older colleague looks at the young intellectuals who come and go. An excerpt from the Analects (論語 - one of the Four Books that represent the foundation of Confucian texts) is engraved on the wall by the renowned calligrapher Tong Yang-Tze. It reminds visitors, students, and researchers to remain humble and "learn with constant perseverance." These words catch the attention of students upon entering and will remain in their hearts for many years.
The library strives to become a center for research in social sciences in Taiwan. In addition to considering ecological principles, it is also committed to providing services that meet most user needs. Currently, the library contains approximately 240,000 printed books. Among them is a collection of over 80,000 publications on law, politics, economics, and the history of Southeast Asia. The library also provides access to approximately 2.8 million electronic resources across all academic disciplines, which it shares with the main NTU library. The staff are also trained and prepared to assist with various teaching and research needs, allowing the library to play a significant role in supporting academic growth.
On the first floor, the most unique part of the building features separate reading zones. The magnificent ceiling, with a height of six meters, is supported by 88 white columns designed to resemble trees. 130 differently shaped skylights allow sunlight to filter in from all sides, making readers feel as if they are reading beneath the shade of tree crowns. A large part of the floor is occupied by bamboo bookshelves. Each shelf has a unique curved shape, making the search for books a joy in itself.
From the windows of the reading room on the first floor, there is a view of the grassy area and the entire campus. This view from the library embodies the idea of a higher education institution, where all faculty members and students acquire knowledge in their fields while also maintaining an open mind towards the surrounding world.
Here in the library, far from all noise, students, with a refreshed spirit and renewed motivation, draw from the ocean of knowledge.
At the entrance to the reading hall, a more experienced and older colleague looks at the young intellectuals who come and go. An excerpt from the Analects (論語 - one of the Four Books that represent the foundation of Confucian texts) is engraved on the wall by the renowned calligrapher Tong Yang-Tze. It reminds visitors, students, and researchers to remain humble and "learn with constant perseverance." These words catch the attention of students upon entering and will remain in their hearts for many years.
The library strives to become a center for research in social sciences in Taiwan. In addition to considering ecological principles, it is also committed to providing services that meet most user needs. Currently, the library contains approximately 240,000 printed books. Among them is a collection of over 80,000 publications on law, politics, economics, and the history of Southeast Asia. The library also provides access to approximately 2.8 million electronic resources across all academic disciplines, which it shares with the main NTU library. The staff are also trained and prepared to assist with various teaching and research needs, allowing the library to play a significant role in supporting academic growth.
On the first floor, the most unique part of the building features separate reading zones. The magnificent ceiling, with a height of six meters, is supported by 88 white columns designed to resemble trees. 130 differently shaped skylights allow sunlight to filter in from all sides, making readers feel as if they are reading beneath the shade of tree crowns. A large part of the floor is occupied by bamboo bookshelves. Each shelf has a unique curved shape, making the search for books a joy in itself.
From the windows of the reading room on the first floor, there is a view of the grassy area and the entire campus. This view from the library embodies the idea of a higher education institution, where all faculty members and students acquire knowledge in their fields while also maintaining an open mind towards the surrounding world.
Here in the library, far from all noise, students, with a refreshed spirit and renewed motivation, draw from the ocean of knowledge.
Toyo Ito & Associates
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