Seattle Public Library

Rem Koolhaas

G.SIDDHARTH
12RBAR033
 Architect :
Rem koolhaas,OMA,
Joshua PrinceRamus, LMN Architects
Location :
Seattle, Washington, United States
Land area - 33.723 sq.m
Floors - 11+1 basement level
Years of construction 1999 to 2004
Budget - 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 area
3. caf deployed in the large atrium
4. main library space ,and reading rooms and
5. 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 999the 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 .