Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch
Sean Pavone / Alamy
This eco-friendly structure is the first green library in Taiwan. It was designed by the architectural firm Bio-Architecture Formosana and first opened in 2006. The library is set within Beitou Park in the Beitou Hot Spring area and makes good use of its beautiful natural surroundings. Built entirely of sustainable wood, the structure is extremely water and energy efficient. Large windows provide natural sunlight to the interior, saving on electricity needs, and ventilation systems cut down on heating and cooling needs. Solar cells on the roof also generate electricity. Captured rainfall is used to flush the facility’s toilets.
