Rem Koolhaas’ Seattle Central Library is regarded as one of the most inspiring architectural contributions to the new millennium.

While green skyscrapers may take the public’s imagination and aspirations to new heights, a new generation of high-profile projects proves that there is no one ruling aesthetic.

The Freedom Tower under construction in Manhattan proves that big can be bold and beautiful, while the low-lying California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park demonstrates that demure is downright delicious. And new libraries from Seattle to Singapore stand in stark contrast to the staid, marble and sandstone structures of yesteryear.

Rem Koolhaas
Seattle Central Library; Prada buildings, San Francisco and Los Angeles

Resembling an uneven stack of books, Seattle Central Library fills a new page in urban architecture. The 11-story building, designed by Seattle-based LMN Architects and Koolhaas’ Rotterdam-based Office for Metropolitan Architecture, takes up an entire block of downtown Seattle [see “Emerald City green,” SIJ, February 2004]. Its diagrid design, along with a central support shaft, allows sunlight to penetrate deep into the building’s reading rooms and common areas. The design also helps the LEED Silver building surpass the city’s energy code by 20 percent and funnel runoff to a 40,000 gallon stormwater retention cistern, according to library officials. What’s more, the uneven, stacked floors allow for stunning views.

“The building pushes one way or another to let in light and provide views down the building ‘canyons,’ if you will,” says Sam Miller, an LMN project manager.

Renzo Piano
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Page:   1  of  4

1 |   2 |   3 |   4      All   »