Seattle Public Library - Central Library
Seattle, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 2024
The Seattle Public Library – Central Library is the main headquarters of the city's library system and one of Seattle's most important architectural landmarks.
Innovative Architecture: The library, opened in 2004, is globally famous for its avant-garde design. It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas (OMA) and partner Joshua Prince-Ramus.
Unique Design: The 11-story building is characterized by its angular exterior appearance, clad in a steel and glass net, and an interior that prioritizes function and flexibility. The design aimed to fundamentally rethink the role of libraries in the digital age.
Internal Organization: The interior is notable for the "Book Spiral," a continuous spiral ramp that houses the entire non-fiction collection, organized in an unbroken sequence.
Significance: Beyond its function as a centre of knowledge, the Central Library is a global icon of contemporary architecture and a highly valued civic space by residents.
Seattle Public Library - Central Library
Seattle, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 2024
The Seattle Public Library – Central Library is the main headquarters of the city's library system and one of Seattle's most important architectural landmarks.
Innovative Architecture: The library, opened in 2004, is globally famous for its avant-garde design. It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas (OMA) and partner Joshua Prince-Ramus.
Unique Design: The 11-story building is characterized by its angular exterior appearance, clad in a steel and glass net, and an interior that prioritizes function and flexibility. The design aimed to fundamentally rethink the role of libraries in the digital age.
Internal Organization: The interior is notable for the "Book Spiral," a continuous spiral ramp that houses the entire non-fiction collection, organized in an unbroken sequence.
Significance: Beyond its function as a centre of knowledge, the Central Library is a global icon of contemporary architecture and a highly valued civic space by residents.