Kaohsiung Main Public Library

Overview

The Kaohsiung Main Public Library is an award-winning civic building completed in 2014, notable for its suspended steel structure that eliminates ground-floor columns, creating an open public plaza beneath the building. Designed by Mecanoo Architecten, it has become an architectural icon.

Highlights

• Column-Free Ground Floor: The entire building hangs from an upper steel frame, freeing the ground level as a breezy public plaza.
• Rooftop Garden: An accessible green roof offers views over the Asia New Bay Area and the harbour.
• Sustainable Design: The library's louvred facade, natural ventilation channels, and rainwater collection earned it a Diamond-level green building certification.

History

Designed by Dutch firm Mecanoo in collaboration with local architects, the 37,000-square-metre library was completed in November 2014. It replaced the old city library and became the first public building in Kaohsiung's Asia New Bay Area redevelopment zone.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Head directly to the rooftop garden for the best views—it's free and usually uncrowded.
• Tip 2: The ground-floor plaza often hosts weekend cultural markets.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.