The first wave of international design accolades for 2025 has been released. Architectural designer Zihe Ye and her team have been notified that they claim the highest honor—the Platinum Winner distinction—in the Architectural Design category at the London Design Awards for their "Knowledge Portal—Community Library Design in Chicago" project.
Written by
Liliana Alvarez
The project to expand the capacity of the municipal library in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm has been successfully completed. The renovation of the existing villa and the addition of a new building, fosters the growth of cultural, community, and educational activities, reinforcing the contemporary library’s role as an indispensable hub for these endeavors.
Project name
Municipal Library in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm
Architecture firm
ČTYŘSTĚN
Location
Bezručova 519, 756 61 Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Czech Republic
Principal architect
Karel Kubza, Milan Joja, Tomáš Págo
Design team
Nikola Korábová, Martina Fojtíková, Marek Holán
Collaborators
Architecture-construction solution: Ondřej Gaudl, Pavel Matonoha. Structural design: Marek Lukáš. Sanitary installations, gas: Jakub Kaplan, Michal Talač. HVAC, heating, metering and regulation: Jaroslav Prokeš. Electrical installation: Jaroslava Nováková. Fire safety: Zdeněk Čejka. Transport solutions: Josef Šico, Pavel Frýdl. 2 Low current: Karel Alexa. Energy performance certificate of the building: Jiří Cihlář. Landscaping: Marek Holán. Wayfinding, graphic design: Lenka Mičolová
Built area
Built-up area 295 m² existing library building 582 m² extension 1230 m² paved areas and exterior landscaping - Gross floor area 692 m² existing library building 582 m² extension - Usable floor area 458 m² existing library building 458 m² extension
Structural engineer
Marek Lukáš
Material
Solid wood – trellis on the façade, seating elements of outdoor staircases, furniture in the library. Steel – columns in the interior, outdoor railings, entrance roofing. Bricks filled with insulation – external structures of the extension. Reinforced concrete – ceiling structures of the extension. Wood-fibre acoustic panels – acoustic panels in the extension. Large-format insulating glazing in aluminium profiles – extension openings. Precast and monolithic exposed concrete – external staircases, ramps and paving. Polished silicate trowel – façade of the extension. Vinyl and carpet squares – floor covering. Sandstone – plinth and portal of the old building. Green roof – roof of the extension
Client
Town of Rožnov pod Radhoštěm
Typology
Educational Architecture › Library
Amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of New York, a groundbreaking architectural marvel stands tall—the Green Waves Library. More than just a space for reading and research, this library serves as a symbol of sustainable architecture and the harmony between urban design and nature.
Project name
Green Waves Liberary
Architecture firm
Redho AI
Tools used
Midjourney AI, Adobe Photoshop
Principal architect
Parisa Ghargaz
Design team
Redho AI Architects
Built area
1,000- 3,000 m²
Typology
Educational Architecture › Library
This extraordinary building challenges the boundaries of imagination and design by taking inspiration from the world of books—literally. Shaped like three monumental books stacked atop each other, this structure is a tribute to creativity, knowledge, and storytelling, brought to life through the art of architecture.
Project name
The Future Library
Architecture firm
Sara Pourasadian
Location
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Tools used
Midjourney AI, Adobe Photoshop
Principal architect
Sara Pourasadian
Visualization
Sara Pourasadian
Typology
Educational Architecture › Library
A society’s engagement with its history is ever-changing, its expression manifesting through diverse mediums such as art and architecture. This evolution, ranging from aggressive replacement to raw preservation, eventually leans towards a refined and cultured treatment of heritage.
Architecture firm
So Song Studio
Location
Wuhan University, Hubei Province, China
Principal architect
Osbert So
Design team
Osbert So, Song Jiawei
Collaborators
Construction Drawing Team: Wang Hongxing,Cong Hui,Wu Ting,Wang Li Soft furnishing: DLD Space
Interior design
So Song Studio
Environmental & MEP
Yao Jiajia, Cheng Yuexiang, Kang Hongyang
Material
Patinated Copper, Mosaic, Portuguese tile, Stainless Steel, Bamboo, glass and African Wood
Typology
Commercial › Historical Building Renovation
I have conceptualized this project so here is the story about this beautiful project. Step into serenity at this modern library, where Tadao Ando’s influence meets cozy ambiance. The curved wooden bookshelves seamlessly blend with circular stairs and arched windows, creating a sense of organic flow.
Project name
Spiral Library
Architecture firm
Studio Afshari
Location
Portland in state of Oregon in USA
Tools used
Midjourney AI, Adobe Photoshop
Principal architect
Zahra Afshari
Design team
Studio Afshari Architects
Visualization
Zahra Afshari
Typology
Public › Specialized and Academic Library
Imagine stepping into a green library in Rio de Janeiro, where complex and orderly layers of design create a serene haven for knowledge and nature lovers alike. This architectural masterpiece blends the beauty of natural elements with intricate design, creating a space that feels both expansive and intimate.
Architecture firm
Green Clay Architecture
Location
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tools used
Midjourney AI, Adobe Photoshop
Principal architect
Khatereh Bakhtyari
Design team
Green Clay Architecture
Visualization
Green Clay Architecture
Typology
Educational Architecture › Library
This project is located in a historical and cultural block in Shaoxing, renowned as Wang Xizhi’s Native Place. The construction includes the improvement and upgrading of the former Cai Yuanpei Square, the renovation and refurbishment of Jiemin Cinema, and the new srtuctures of Jiemin Library.
Project name
Cai Yuanpei Square and Jiemin Library
Architecture firm
Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University (UAD)
Location
Jiefang North Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
Design team
Leas Architect: Hu Huifeng. Architecture: Zhang Chenfan, Zhu Jinyun, Wang Yuxuan
Collaborators
Drainage: Yi Jiasong , Cai Ang. HVAC: Pan Dahong , Li Yongmei. Electrical: Zhang Wei, Qian Kun. Intellectualization: Li Xiangqun, Yang Guozhong , Yuan Xiaonan . Decoration: Fang Yin, Kong Xiang, Ma Juan. Curtain Wall: Shi Jiongjiong, Wang Jianzhong, Xuan Zhaokang, Su Zeqi. Geotechnical: Chen Yun, Yang Qinfeng, Han Jiaming. Stage: Chi Wangang, Chen Yong, Chi Jiabei. Economy: Chu Qianbo, Zhang Ying, Sun Wentong, Zhang Guodan. BIM Design: Ren Wei, Shu Yu. EPC: Fang Chaojun, Zhou Huiyang, Wu Jianquan, Bei Sijia. Exhibition Design: Shanghai Art-Designing Co., Ltd.
Landscape
Wu Weiling, Wang Jietao, Zhang Chi, Wu Di, Yao Haiyan, Zhang Yuchen, Xu Feitong, Gu Jingxian
Structural engineer
Zheng Xiaoqing, Wu Xiawen, Lyu Junfeng, Chen Xu, Zhang Jie, Ding Ziwen
Lighting
Wang Xiaodong, Zhao Yanqiu, Xing Jiayi, Fu Dongming, Feng Baile, Wu Xuhui
Construction
Zhejiang Qinye Construction Engineering Group
Client
Shaoxing Cultural Tourism Group
Typology
Cultural Architecture › Library
