Lingxi Library is named after Professor Lingxi Qian, a well-known Chinese scientist, educator, and academician. Specifically, he is a pioneer in computational structural mechanics. professor Lingxi Qian had been working in Dalian University of Technology since 1951. He died on April 20, 2009. Lingxi Library opened on November 6, 2009.
Lingxi Library is located in at the western end point of the east–west axis on the campus of Dalian University of Technology. It is located at the core of the school.
The library is a modern and advanced library with a high degree of automation. The library integrates five book functions into one: collection, loan, reading. management, and search. This comprehensive open-shelf service management model is a place of ideology, academics, art, and culture.
The building design itself emphasizes the contrast of simple rectangular layout and clear structure. From an aesthetic point of view, it reflects simplicity and openness. The core of the building is a five story hall. It acts not only as the main body for traffic, but also as the command center of the whole library. The grand roof above the main entrance is a shelter to show care for library-users. The whole building is intended to convey that people are cared for and learning is a perpetual pursuit.
On the east side of the entrance plaza are wide pedestrian steps, green areas, flower beds, and an array of trees. The building is set in a landscape that gives a sense of spaciousness and welcome.
The outside wall consists of red brick, dark metal and tint glass. The library facade strives to find a balance point between classical and contemporary. It combines modern techniques and materials with architectural expression enhancing the image and characteristics of the core building. The construction area is 30,000 square meters. There are 3,000 seats.
The monumental bronze statue of Professor Lingxi Qian was unveiled in the library on July 16, 2012, the 96th anniversary of his birth. The sculpture is the work of sculptor Wei Deng who works in Dalian University of Technology. The statue is placed on a marble base located just inside the library.