Library Buildings around the World

Gunnar Birkerts (& Association), Wellesley, MA – USA
*17.02.1925 Riga, Latvia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunnar_Birkerts
Libraries:
University of Utah, Marriott Library, Addition, Salt Lake City, Utah – USA 1997
This expansion preserves the original library’s architectural integrity while optimizing its location at the heart of an evolving
campus. The two-level subterranean addition wraps around the existing structure on the north, east and south sides. Between 1968
and 1998, the student population at the University of Utah doubled and the number of volumes in the library. Renovationfrom
1,800,000 to 2,750,000. The programming challenges of this project involved accommodating this substantial growth and also
planning for the next 20 years. The expansion provides 4,000 book stacks, 1,400 reader stations, audiovisual facilities, 250 computer
stations, multimedia classrooms, a reserve reading area, a 200-seat auditorium and an extended-hours study area. Extensive
incorporation of daylighted courts and skylights reduces eyestrain and minimizes fatigue for users. The design also features:
HVAC/humidity control system to keep users comfortable and the library’s collection secure; indirect lighting system and
data/power raceway system to facilitate computer-technology integration; underground air-duct system that takes advantage of
“passive ground cooking;" electrical and mechanical services wrapped around the original building’s basement core, allowing for a
thin sandwich between floors and ceiling heights of 10 feet. (http://schooldesign.com)
University of California, Geisel Library, San Diego – USA 1993
The Central Library was designed by William L. Pereira Associates with project architect Robert A. Throburn. It opened in 1970
and is an icon of the Brutalist style. The structure is all poured in placed architectural concrete (no wimping out on precast here). An
addition, designed by Gunnar Birkerts, was added in the early 1990s and sits below grade of the main tower with skylights that pop
above the plaza level. The library was renamed the Geisel Library in 1995 for Audrey and Theodor Geisel. (http://www.flickr.com)
On December 1, 1995 The University Library Building was renamed Geisel Library in honor of Audrey and Theodor Geisel (Dr.
Seuss) for the generous contributions they have made to the library and their devotion to improving literacy.
In the tower, Floors 4 through 8 house much of the Library's collection and study space, while Floors 1 and 2 house service desks
and staff work areas. Some of the austerity of the original building has been lessened by the addition of the coved ceilings, painted
walls, and carpeting throughout levels 1 and 2. The new color scheme complements the color scheme in the addition.
The library addition, designed by Gunnar Birkerts, was deliberately designed to be subordinated to the strong, geometrical form of
the existing library. The library, designed in the late 1960's by William Pereira (original report), is an eight story, concrete structure
sited at the head of a canyon near the center of the campus. The lower two stories form a pedestal for the six story, stepped tower
that has become a visual symbol for Geisel Library. Whatever its metaphorical connotation, its image is preserved and enhanced by
the concept for the addition. (http://libraries.ucsd.edu)
Latvia National Library, Riga – Latvia 2012
By David Cohn
The Latvian National Library was conceived in 1991, the same year Latvia gained independence from the Soviet Union.
Gunnar Birkerts, FAIA, a Latvia native now based in Massachusetts, won the commission to design the Latvian National
Library in 1991—the same year the country gained independence from the Soviet Union. But the high-profile project never
got off the ground due to funding woes. Now, nearly two decades later, construction of the library is finally under way in the
capital city of Riga. Given that Latvia has been hit hard by the economic crisis, “it’s really amazing that the project is still
moving forward,” Birkerts says. Equally amazing is the fact that Birkerts’s original design has been maintained. “There has
been enormous change within the building,” Birkerts says, “but the shell has not changed. The architect conceived an
asymmetrical “glass mountain” inspired by a Latvian folktale about three men scaling a glass mountain on horseback to
rescue an imprisoned princess. The story, and his design, are related to Latvia’s quest for independence. “It’s a fable that
absolutely everybody knows. And it was expressive of the political situation at the time, breaking away from the Soviets to
strike out on our own as a nation.” Large expanses of glass on the facades will be combined with stainless-steel walls and
roofs. Inside, the 13-story library will contain six million books overlooking an atrium. Completion is slated for 2012. The
$300 million building, designed in collaboration with local architect Modris Gelzis, is rising on the banks of the Daugava
River, facing Riga’s historic center. It will anchor a new development that includes a government center, university
buildings, and a concert hall. The location is part of an effort “to keep developers out of the Old Town,” says Birkerts. “We
are doing this with the help of UNESCO, which has declared Old Riga a protected area.” Birkerts turned 85 this year, and
this project caps a long career commemorated in the new monograph, Gunnar Birkerts: Metaphoric Modernist, published
by Axel Menges. After studying in Stuttgart, Bikerts worked in the offices of Eero Saarinen and Minoru Yamasaki before
establishing his own practice outside of Detroit in 1962. Among his best-known works are the Federal Reserve Bank of
Minneapolis (1973), the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City (1994), and the Corning Museum of Glass
(1980), in Corning, New York. Currently, he is working on the renovation and enlargement of the Museum of the
Occupation of Latvia in Riga. (http://archrecord.construction.com)
BKSK Architects, New York, NY – USA
Stephen Byrns, Harry Kendall, George Schieferdecker, Joan Krevlin
http://www.bkskarch.com
Libraries:
Mamaroneck Public Library, N.Y. – USA 2010
A substantial renovation and addition to the historic Mamaroneck Library is currently under way. The original structure was built
in 1927 with two subsequent additions in 1960 and 1970. BKSK will be adding a contemporary 13,000 square foot addition, and
modernizing the existing 21,000 square feet of the building. The new facility demonstrates its commitment to environmental
leadership by incorporating energy efficient building systems, a green roof, sustainable materials and abundant natural light — all
elements that will enable the Library to qualify for a silver LEED® rating. The marrying of old and new in the design is achieved
through complementary façade materials and a replication of the sense of columns and box patterns. A highlight of the new design is
the restoration of the Library's original reading room in the 1927 section. In addition, a new children’s wing, dedicated teen area,
expanded public computer space, enlarged community meeting facilities and a coffee bar and outdoor terrace will meet current and
anticipated future needs of the Library patrons. The flexibility of the design allows for future changes in library services and
product delivery. The anticipated completion date is spring 2010. (BKSK)
Plainsboro Public Library, Plainsboro, N.J. – USA 2010
Client: Plainsboro Public Library and Township pf Plainsboro, 45.000 sqf., $ 12.000.000
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