The newly opened Beijing City Library, an architectural marvel in the southeastern Tongzhou District, has taken another leap forward in its mission to become a cultural beacon. The library’s multi-purpose Zhihe Hall now boasts a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics A Series professional sound system, marking a significant enhancement to its audio capabilities.
Unveiled in December 2023, the Beijing City Library is a stunning glass-lined structure spanning 75,000 square meters across four floors. Designed by Norwegian-based architectural firm Snøhetta in collaboration with local institute ECADI, the library sets new benchmarks for innovation and sustainability in public spaces. With capacity for 8 million books and 2,400 reading seats, it stands as the world’s largest library reading space.
While the library’s primary function is to serve as a repository of knowledge, it also aims to be a hub for cultural exchange and technological integration. The Zhihe Hall, one of the library’s key multi-purpose spaces, exemplifies this vision with its recent audio upgrade. “The Beijing City Library is not just about books; it’s about creating elevated cultural and educational experiences for our visitors,” says Li Nianzu, Director of the Beijing City Library. “The installation of the L-Acoustics system in Zhihe Hall allows us to host a wide range of events with unparalleled audio quality, from lectures and performances to multimedia presentations.”
L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor, Rightway Audio Consultants, was entrusted with the design and installation of the sound system. The main PA system consists of three L-Acoustics A10i Focus enclosures per side, discreetly hidden behind black mesh screens. Low-frequency reinforcement is provided by two KS21i subwoofers on each side, ensuring powerful and precise bass response. For optimal coverage in the front rows, six X4i miniature coaxial speakers are integrated into the stage lip as front-fill. Eight X12 coaxial speakers are on hand to provide onstage monitoring or to be used as a mobile system as needed for various events. The entire system is powered by one LA2Xi and four LA4X amplified controllers, ensuring consistent, high-performance operation.
“The A10i Focus is the perfect choice for Zhihe Hall,” explains Xuan Shisong, Senior Product Manager at Rightway Audio Consultants. “Its compact form factor allows for discreet installation, while its wide, consistent coverage and exceptional clarity make it ideal for the diverse range of events hosted in this space.”
Complementing the L-Acoustics system, a DiGiCo digital audio mixing console was installed to provide flexible live sound control. This combination of cutting-edge loudspeakers and advanced mixing capabilities positions Zhihe Hall as one of the most technologically advanced multi-purpose spaces in any library worldwide.
The installation of this professional-grade sound system in Zhihe Hall aligns with the Beijing City Library’s broader mission to transform Tongzhou District into a vibrant arts and cultural destination. By offering a space equipped with world-class audio, the library can now attract a wider range of events and performances, further enriching the cultural landscape of Beijing.
As libraries worldwide evolve to meet the changing needs of their communities, the Beijing City Library stands at the forefront of this transformation. With its stunning architecture, commitment to sustainability, and now, its investment in premium audio technology, it sets a new standard for what a modern library can be.
