Seattle Public LibraryRem Koolhaas

G.SIDDHARTH12RBAR033

Architect : Rem koolhaas,OMA, Joshua PrinceRamus, LMN ArchitectsLocation : Seattle, Washington, United StatesLand area - 33.723 sq.mFloors - 11+1 basement levelYears of construction – 1999 to 2004Budget - US $169.2 Million

Introduction:• The design of the architect 's career clinched Rem Koolhaas,because it is an impressive

building that combines futuristic lines with the functionality of a library.

• From the outside , you can see a large glass building , straight lines that intersect. It is articulated by large blocks at different levels corresponding to the library premises .

• The " spiral " , was a new way of delivering books to customers within a library system . Instead of books on different shelves and floors, the spiral inclined allowed a continuous row of books that make them " easy to navigate " .

Concept:• The concept involves the

reinvention of the library as an access point to information presented in a variety of media

• "The new library does not reinvent or modernize traditional , they are just packaged in a new way ," explain in the OMA study.

• Koolhaas applied its interpretation of the feature set and architecture for the project that the building would be flexible for future expansions.

• Flexibility in contemporary libraries is conceived as the creation of generic floors on which almost any activity can be developed.

• This form of flexibility , the library strangles the very attractions that differentiate it from other information resources .

• Instead of its current ambiguous flexibility , the library could cultivate a more refined approach in organizing spatial compartments, each dedicated to and equipped for specific services.

Paces:• Inside the building, a spiral structure provides a continuous surface with

coated side shelves that offer different themed collections. These ramps are supported on slender columns constructed economically .

• The interior is divided into 5 distinguishable blocks from the outside : 1. the parking area ,2. public reading area3. café deployed in the large atrium 4. main library space ,and reading rooms and5. administration, all them culminates in a terrace on the roof.

• The third floor of the library is called "living room ".

• The Book Spiral implies a reclamation of the much-compromised Dewey Decimal System. By arranging the collection in a continuous ribbon—running from 000 to 999—the subjects form a coexistence that approaches the organic; each evolves relative to the others, occupying more or less space on the ribbon, but never forcing a rupture.

• The main feature of the interior is its large public spaces and leisure reading , illuminated with natural light coming through the glass walls .

• Also noteworthy plants collections , consisting of a ramp that goes over 4 floors . All Areas bind with brightly colored escalators (except collections ) , and the furniture and objects are modern and colorful design .

• The building is covered by a striking glass and steel structure .