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Former National Library
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Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Former National Library (General Sciences Library)

The former National Library was the culmination of over 100 years of library development in the southern metropolis.

Tim Doling, Historic Vietnam

Originally built as the National Library in the former Saigon, present-day Ho Chi Minh City, the building is now known as the General Sciences Library. Designed by Vietnamese architects Nguyễn Hữu Thiện and Bùi Quang Hanh in 1972, the library is a prime example of Vietnamese modern architecture. The façade of the building incorporates traditional Vietnamese patterns into the exterior sun screen. In addition to the sun screen, the building anticipated green design in another way; a water-filled moat surrounding the structure’s base helps cool the air passing through the reading rooms on the ground floor.

Submitted by @layered

Photo Credit: 
© Mel Schenck
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