The Seattle Public Library, Central Branch, opened its doors on Sunday, May 23, 2004. It is located in the downtown core of the city and houses the main library’s collection of books, government publications, periodicals, and audio visual materials.
The building is 362,987 square feet, 11 stories and is comprised mostly of concrete, glass and steel. It was constructed with sustainable systems taking into consideration its energy and environmental impact. The total cost of the building was around $156 million dollars.
Interesting Facts: The building contains 18,400 cubic yards or 2,050 tons of concrete; 4,644 tons of steel; and enough glass to cover 5 ½ football fields.
The main architects for the project were Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus. Their philosophy was to allow the required functions of the building to dictate the design rather than impose a structure requiring the functions to conform to it.
Other areas of the library include the Microsoft Auditorium and the Starbucks Teen Center. Both of these companies were founded in Seattle. The Microsoft Auditorium can seat 250 to 425 people and features dove gray wood paneling, and polyurethane foam seats with springs. The Starbuck Teen Center has an orange polyurethane floor selected to offer punch, excitement and sophistication to reflect the age of those using it.
To help patrons navigate the building, elevators and escalators are a bright fluorescent green-yellow colour. Bright colours similar to those used for traffic cones and reflecting stripes on streets are used to direct patrons to the various levels of the library.
Still more rooms… The library houses a children’s center, 400 computers plus wireless connection, meeting rooms, language learning center, “living room” with coffee and gift shop, reading room and mixing chamber (reference area). Underground parking is available.
Reviews of the library’s architecture have been mixed, but since its opening usage of the library has more than doubled the predicted volume plus it has generated millions in new economic activity within its neighbourhood.
The Seattle Central Library is just one example of the recent trend in public library design. The use of modern architecture creates a public space that serves the library needs but also creates an inviting place for its patrons. A win-win situation for all.
References
Arcspace.com. (n.d.). Rem Koolhass OMA Seattle Public Library. Retrieved from
http://www.arcspace.com/architects/koolhaas/Seattle/
Wikipedia. (February 1, 2010). Seattle Central Library. Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Central_Library
Seattle Public Library. (n.d.). Library Locations Central Library. Retrieved from
http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_central&branchID=1
