House of Knowledge
Location: Xinyang, China
Typology: Library, city exhibition hall, tea house, community gardens
Area: 3.000 m2
Status: Built, 2023-2024
Materials: Wood, natural stone, plants
Collaboration: Xu Tiantian, local “Bookhouse” community
The House of Knowledge is one of 20 new Bookhouses in the 12-million-strong city of Xinyang in central China. It consists of two buildings: a library with a city exhibition hall and community center and a tea house. Between them stretch three small lakes, surrounded by community gardens and a biodiverse park landscape.
The aim of the project is to create a space of togetherness and
impart knowledge about social and environmental challenges. It not only supports the rich natural heritage of Yangshan Park but also integrates it into the project. Here, people of all ages can engage closely with nature and learn about regenerative agriculture. They will not be passive users but will actively contribute to the development of both the community and the ecological diversity of the Yangshan neighborhood.