Moving Library by Studio WE sails culture across Yantai’s shores
Anchored along the coastline of Yantai’s Yangma Island in China, Seaside Mobile Library is a prefabricated timber structure designed to circulate between fishing villages, providing access to books, performances, and community activities. Developed by Studio WE (Yutao Chen and Yiwen Gu), the project draws from the island’s shipbuilding tradition to explore mobility as a mode of cultural and spatial connection.
The structure comprises three modular units that can be reconfigured to serve multiple functions, including a library, an open-air stage, or a seaside pavilion. Each module is constructed using locally sourced timber and prefabricated joinery, balancing structural stability with ease of assembly, disassembly, and transport. Mounted on a mobile base, the modules can be towed along the coastal road, activating various public sites and extending cultural infrastructure to remote areas.
Modules positioned by the sea, offering a quiet spot for reading with a view of the horizon.
Seaside Mobile Library comprises three reconfigurable modules
Large openings within the design frame views of the sea and facilitate natural ventilation, while outdoor terraces extend the use of space for reading and gathering. The timber’s natural tone and texture integrate the structure into the coastal landscape, allowing it to blend with its surroundings while accommodating seasonal and community needs.
Beyond its function as a library, the project by Studio WE serves as a flexible cultural platform, hosting small-scale performances, reading sessions, and educational programs. It demonstrates an architectural approach centered on lightweight construction, adaptability, and contextual engagement, proposing a model of ‘moving public architecture’ where culture and community interaction can travel along the coastline.
Community reading along the coast — the library becomes a gathering place for locals and travelers.
Circular openings in the fabric filter the sea breeze and sunlight, echoing the rhythm of waves.
Assembly in progress — the lightweight wooden structure allows quick installation and relocation.
The structure transforms at night into a small open-air stage for music and storytelling.
Timber frames and canvas curtains create a flexible system that adapts to light and breeze.
Interior view at dusk — books, light, and conversation animate the mobile structure.
project info:
name: Seaside Mobile Library
architect: Studio WE
designers: Yutao Chen | @yutaoch, Yiwen Gu
location: Yantai, China
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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