From Hiding to Open：A Brief Investigation on Architectural Development of Public Libraries in Modern Wuhan

Zhang Tianjie; Li Ze

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2014.06.034

Abstract：Public library belongs to a new kind of public buildings emerged in modern China. The paperstudies the influx of Western scientific knowledge, educational reform and national revival, elaborates the creation and development of public libraries in Wuhan. The initiators included reform-minded gentry, key officials in Self-strengthening Movement, missionaries, modern librarians, technocrats, etc. They intended to enlighten the general public, spread modern knowledge, awaken and discipline the citizens. The library buildings were no longer simply adopted from some existing courtyard houses, but elaborately designed and constructed. The site selection changed from escaping the bustled market to pursuing convenient transportation. The users enlarged from privileged scholars to the general public. The architectural styles shifted from obey Westernization to adaptive Chinese renaissance. The public library buildings in modern Wuhan experienced the transformation from “hiding the books” to “open to al ”. They made reference to the design ideas of contemporary public libraries in the West, particularly USA, and were meantime embedded in the desires of preserving the Chinese quintessence and achieving national revival.