Seattle Public Library Case Study
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsSeattle Public Library Case Study
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsRem Koolhaas
PUBLIC LIBRARY Joshua Prince-Ramus
OMA
FROM SEATTLE
LMN Architects
2004
CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
CONTEXT AND ENVIRONMENT
1906
The concept consists of the reinvention of the
library as a gateway to infor-
information, presented in a wide variety of
supports. "The new libraries do not reinvent or
they modernize the traditional ones, simply
they are packaged in a new form
In 1906, the library that replaced it operated.
a previously existing one increasing its measurements
1960
CURRENT NEWS
The concept consists of the reinvention of the
library as a gateway to infor-
information, presented in a wide variety of
supports. "The new libraries do not reinvent or
they modernize the traditional ones, simply
they are packaged in a new form
YURI PALOMEQUE HISTORY 8A
DISCIPLINARY TYPOLOGY VISUAL
Preexistence
The visuals of the library are
can appreciate for different
access roads to the place, already
they are from the upper part of the building
guy p through the lower part of the
same relating to the con-
immediate urban text
The concept consists of the re-
expiration of the library as
an access point to the infor-
mation, presented in a
wide variety of supports.
The new libraries do not re-
they sell or modernize the tradi-
nationals, they are simply
REM KOOLHAAS packed in a new one DISCURSIVE TYPOLOGY
form
the spaces inside are filled
to form the arqui- program
tectonic where there is a
diversity of spaces in
where people can
share individually
or in general with the
In the architect's criteria, for the development of people in the place.
buildings based on the new construction systems
that occurs in new buildings, using
new materials, larger and more stable spaces
for all those who visit the place, so that it is
pleasant through a new context.
YURI PALOMEQUE HISTORY 8 'A'
CLIMATE
The concept of the design is created so that the sun The design of the building is created to be
enter each of the places and spaces ventilated at all levels so that the air circulates
oscillating the closed spaces between 6° to 18° and I don't know what is stagnant in the spaces
As meeting the temperature, and with the essentials of the building
grid structures, sunlight entering the
place, to keep the whole place illuminated
The hot air is concentrated in the upper parts
rivers of the spaces, by generating chambers of ven-
tilation, this changes its circulation towards the exte-
rior.
In the city in winter, people always
they are looking for a cozy place where the temperature
it is pleasant to visit, so the building is con-
truido para albergar el calor y manterer la tempe-
rature.
YURI PALOMEQUE HISTORY 8 'A'
FORM STRUCTURE
The initial concept for the construction of Open spaces are created inside The general structure is divided into several sections.
structural frame, was the foundation of every building, of the building so that people yes, the central general connections and the
build a central structure and from there, create can access any part of inclined columns to support the walls
the different levels to generate the building. the library, taking into account that inclined of the open volumes.
For the central library, they are broken down. one can interact with anyone
person inside the library.
the elements to generate various types
of open volumes.
A spiral element is created for the library
where it is accessed from the bottom and while-
after the people go up, they can access cul-
which part of the library
YURI PALOMEQUE HISTORY 8A
MATERIALITY CIRCULATION
KIDS AREA
The building is constructed with materials.
metal and glass, on the exterior, to The children have their own library inside the
the interior of the building is constructed with beams library. The seats are blue, the floors
metallic, wood coatings for they are made of bamboo with large rubber circles in
the internal facilities. bright pink and acid yellow.
AUDITORIUM
This floor also houses the Auditorium.
Microsoft, with 275 seats. The back of the
the enclosure can be expanded by adding 150 Asian
additional terms for higher programs.
The circulation inside is around
from a central core, where everyone is
the elements of interest, so that the ilumi-
foreign nation generate enough light for
all circulation places
YURI PALOMEQUE HISTORY 8 "A"
SPACES
Tenth Floor
Reading area and
administration
NOVENOPISO
Book area
Eighth Floor
Book area
S E PT I M O PI S O
Book area
Sextopus
Book area
Fifth Floor
ACCESS
FOURTH FLOOR
meeting room
THIRD FLOOR
Living room
SECOND FLOOR
Personnel and cleaning area
FIRST FLOOR
Access to the library
YURI PALOMEQUE HISTORY 8 "A"
COMPOSITION SPACIALITY AESTHETICS
Rem Koolhaas designed the library, They contain stairs in the center and in the The aesthetics of the place relates to the exterior.
way that can share all the sides of the general structure, where the from the city center, with the other buildings-
people access the place directly
elements articulating the blocks in a throughout any part of the building, where it exists-
modern construction sites, which helps to
only building for people to ten central runners that work maintain architectural harmony with the
enjoy their internal activities as general connectors of the accesses library.
to the homes.