I'm researching libraries that are not the typical box with rows and rows of shelves.
2. Why are you researching this building typology?
I've never been inside a library that made me gaze at its architectural elements. Libraries are typically dark and have limited natural lighting. This made me wonder if there are any existing libraries that thought about incorporating architecture and natural lighting as part of the design.
3. What is the specialty of this building type you would like to research?
Since a library is a collection of different genres, perhaps the architectural section can be emphasized or be the focal point.
4. What are the examples that you will be researching?
1) New Stuttgart Library by Yi Architects, located in Stuttgart, Germany
floor plans
The exterior looks heavy and like jail cells, but the interior is very open and void. A lot of natural lighting comes from the glass roof.
2) Seattle Public Library by Rem Koolhaas, located in Seattle, Washington
3) Salt Lake City Public Library by Moshe Safdie and Associates, located in Salt Lake City, Utah
Here is an article about Salt Lake City Public Library
4) Amsterdam Public Library by Jo Coenen & Co Architekten, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands
5) Santa Catarina's Public Library by Ricardo Gonçalves, Rafael Brych, João Paulo Payar, Matheus Marques, located in Florianopolis, Brazil
6) Bishan Public Library by LOOK Architects, located in Singapore
7) The Royal Library of Denmark by Schmidt Hammer Lassen, located in Copenhagen, Denmark
The interior atrium of the library refelcts and makes the waterfront a part of the interior.
5. What are your goals for working with this building type?
My goal for working with this building type is to create an atmosphere where you can read, do your homework, and experience a unique walk through the library.
6.What are the program elements that you see included at this point in your building?
Some program elements I will be including are entrance, a meeting hall, genre sections, computer lab, lounge areas, tables, book checkout, catalogue area, information desk, and cafe at top floor.
These are some great examples. Also look at Louie Kahn's library at Exeter.
ReplyDeleteKeep gathering plans, sections and elevations and images of these buildings.
Start thinking how libraries are changing in the digital age....
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ReplyDeleteAlthough it might be a bit late to give advices for this stage of the project, I would still like to comment.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear that light is going to have the greatest effect on this building type organization so all of these examples are well chosen based on that fact. What I think should be, also, taken under careful consideration is building location, as on the last example (genius loci).
As said, light is the most influential aspect so I think that the research should be taken to that level, too. Basically have two different case studies, one light effecting Architecture and one Library analysis. In that case I would also do a research on L'Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. It is not a Library, but it shows how the light effect could be shaped. It has metal sunscreen with active sun control diaphragms which gives the user control of the daylight.
Also, think that focal point should not be Architecture section, focal point should be the user and the books.
First of all I think these are all great examples of libraries- and I agree with Jil, please take a look at Kahn's library as another precedent for your project. However I think to make an interesting thesis you must look into OMA's seattle library and truly question the role of libraries in the 21st century. In the rise of technology what role does the library play in comparison from its former role as an information hub to now where it is simply a 'mausoleum' of literature. How does that distribution of literature change the programs of the library and think about whether creating more reading rooms will really promote reading. Libraries in relations to cities are very special programs in which is able to enrich the demographics of the cities. So again, think about the role of cities, the role of information, and maybe even new forms of libraries that already exist like mobile libaries etc.
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