Koolhaas' Bold Architecture at the Seattle Public Library
It isn't often that a public library opening can truly be called an "event," but thanks to Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas' incredible design, the new Seattle Public Library welcomed nearly 30,000 people when it opened on May 23rd and continues to wow local patrons -- as well as admirers from all over the world. The Seattle Times has a micro-site devoted to the new library, which includes a stunning photo slideshow (even the automated book sorter has a distinctive style). They also devote a section to the the building's architecture, showing how the design meets the challenges the library faced:
“The design started from practical considerations: What activities will the building be required to handle and how can similar functions be grouped together? After analyzing functions and space requirements, five broad categories emerged: administration and staff, collections, information, public space and parking. The architects visualized the space as five stacked boxes and used that as a starting point for the building's design. The boxes, or sections, were repositioned to allow better views and light. The result is a unique space that solved many of the library's logistical problems.”
Bright colors (such as the yellow escalators and orange stairwells) make key areas easy to spot, call numbers are inserted into the floors, and expanded-aluminum mesh sandwiched between plates in the glass walls deflect sunlight while retaining clear views. After looking at those photos, all I can say is "Wow." First the Experience Music Project (EMP), now this... how come Seattle gets all the cool buildings?
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