Seattle Public Library Central Library in Seattle

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Seattle Public Library Central Library

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1000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, Washington United StatesPrint this page   •   Share this page   •   Map This

One of the more spectacular public buildings in the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Public Library proves that public buildings don't have to be ugly grey stone.

The irony, of course, is that grey stone is exactly how the library began. The first Seattle Public Library on this site was typical of municipal buildings at the time: broad, stately, and adorned with columns. It opened in 1905, thanks to a $220,000 gift from millionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Though expanded over the years, the first library eventually proved inadequate, and was replaced by a new building in 1960. This one was lonf and low, with dark glass and steel accents. Like the building it succeeded, this library's design was perfectly in tune with the other architecture of its time.

Libraries are great collectors. Perhaps even more so than museums because they have to be generalists. It's not surprising, then, to learn that this building, too, ran out of space. In the 1990's it was decided to once again raze the Central Library and start anew.

Like the other two libraries, the people in charge decided to go with the architectural style of the time, rather than impose some faux history on its patrons. Fortunately, the style of the time was "original" and "forward-thinking." And who better to unify those sentiments than Rem Koolhaas.

He took the library's need for space and turned it into a building of which Seattle can be proud. Its angles and grids reflect the Pacific sun outside, while innovations inside help material flow.

One of those innovations is called the "book spiral." In essence, it is a spiral ramp within the building which allows people to walk from the top to the bottom along a single ramp, passing almost the entire book collection along the way. The stacks are arranged perpendicular to the travel route. A similar scheme was used in New York's Guggenheim museum so that people could enjoy the works of art as they wander, without being distracted by stairs and walls. In the case of the library, the books are arranged numerically from top to bottom, making it easier to find materials than in libraries where different sections are located on different floors. If you have a book's number, you know whether you have to travel up or down, left or right, to find it.

Externally, the buildings maintains the base-shaft-crown architectural philosophy used by architects for decades. But the proportions are distorted and irregular, making the building seem like a half-squashed milk carton. That's not to say the structure isn't spectacular. Its angles manage to be inviting, rather than frightening, and the cool color of the glass contrasted with the spandrel grid make it even more welcoming. On the inside, those sloping exterior angles create open space, atria, and the opportunity for natural light to flood the building.

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Your Thoughts

There are seven comments.

  Love the interior! But I think the exterior is halfway between daring and elegant, coming out awkward and half-collapsed looking. I seem to remember the original ideas being much more creative. Still, another gem in an already blessed city.

Swokm - Thursday, January 10th, 2008 @ 6:23am  

  Brilliant!

Cesar - Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 @ 5:52pm  

  I am honored to have visited it.

Simal Sevimay - Thursday, July 28th, 2005 @ 1:45am  

  Absolutely Spectacular!!!Simply a Masterpiece. This bulding will no doubt set a benchmark for other cities to aspire to.

Tim Bryan - Saturday, April 2nd, 2005 @ 5:22pm  

  It is wonderful to see such an inspirational building.This modern wonder is a role model for all other public buildings!

Emily Clarke - Tuesday, March 1st, 2005 @ 4:17pm  

  Looking at downtown Seattle as a whole: there areas for shopping area, financial institutions, offices, courts, hotels, restaurants and in the center is the 'crown jewel' the new Seattle Library from which all of the rest radiate.

Mary O. Haller - Tuesday, November 16th, 2004 @ 1:14am  

  excelent.

felipe - Monday, September 20th, 2004 @ 8:33pm