#Meet The Twisted Brick Shell Library – A Surreal Pavilion For Visitors To Read In

Designed by architecture practice HCCH Studio, this shell-like brick pavilion in Longyou Country, China is truly a unique sight to behold. The structure is inspired by its agricultural surroundings and is dubbed the Twisted Brick Shell Library (quite accurately). The rustic pavilion is located on farmland, with the Quijiang River running between it and the city of Quzhou. The structure is designed to be a multifunctional space – a peaceful place where visitors can read, relax, or simply gaze at their surroundings.

Designer: HCCH Studio

“[It is] an abstract, revolving space to cuddle visitors in the wide-open field like a spiritual shelter,” said HCCH Studio founder Hao Chen. “The function is an installation to arouse visitors’ awareness of reading and its surroundings,” he added. Besides serving as a space to read and rest, the Twisted Brick Library is also designed to represent its surreal position between urban and rural settings. The Twisted Brick Library comprises two brick-hemispheres which are linked via a twisting section of wall. The wall is made from perforated steel plates, and concrete cast in situ. The concrete almost looks like mortar between the bricks, and resembles typical brick buildings seen in the town located closely to the pavilion.

“The structure is in a semi-rural area very close to a town,” said Chen. “You can strongly feel the approaching of urbanisation on this seemingly still idyllic area. That’s why we propose a semi-fabricated, semi-handmade way of construction, to reflect this reality,” he continued. The interior of the pavilion is lined with 24 small acrylic domes which have been integrated at eye level. Each dome features ‘visual poetry’ by Japanese artist Yoichiro Otani, and you’re supposed to read the work with the landscape as a lovely backdrop.

Slim, concrete-framed openings are placed beneath the dome, and they provide views of the landscape. Below the openings is a brick bench which offers seating. The Twisted Brick Shell Library not only functions as a multipurpose space for tourists and locals, but it also hosts reading workshops by artist Shaomin Shen.