MORE ABOUT: Seattle Central Library – Seattle, Washington

MORE ABOUT:
Seattle Central Library
1000 4th Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
Map of Location

Completed: 2004
Architect: OMA and LMN
Structural Engineer: ARUP/ Magusson Klemencic Associates
Awards: 2005 Honor Award for Outstanding Architecture, 2005 Outstanding Library Building Award, and 2005 Platinum Award for Innovation and Engineering

The Seattle Central Library is composed of five overlapping platforms with four clusters in between to fill the voids.

(Web Article)

Due to the complex geometry of the building “the architect of the facade evolved through several highly distinct iterations including several metal and glass cladding configurations”(1) Below are some sketches of the different iterations.

Here are some structural diagrams of the finalized plan. The facade ended up being made of steel and glass.

Here is a photo of the construction phase as well as a close up of the facade from the inside.

“To favor an organic approach the book spiral arranges the volumes on a continuous ribbon of shelves.”(2)


Below are some interior shots: specifically the greeting escalator and the 2nd floor. Both show the unique use of color in the spaces.

copyright: Fernando Herrera

copyright: Fernando Herrera

(Web article on sustainability of the space)
(Architects Website)

Case study by: Sarah Turner
ARE 320K, Fall 2010

Other Sources(UT Library)
Article:
(1) “OMA/LMN- Seattle Central Library.” A+U Journal. Jan. 2005 n.1, v. 412: 150-167

(2) “Genetic Algorithm.” Lotus International. 2006 n.127: 52-65