Seattle Central Library

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Seattle Central LibraryArchitects: OMA + LMNLocation: Seattle, Washington, USAKey Personnel: Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus (Partner-in-Charge), with Mark von Hof-Zogrotzki, Natasha Sandmeier, Meghan Corwin, Bjarke Ingels, Carol PattersonConsultants: Arup, Bruce Mau Design, Davis Langdon, Dewhurst Macfarlane, Front, HKA, Hoffman Construction, Inside/Oustide, Jones & Jones, Kugler Tillotson, Magnusson Klemencic, McGuire, Michael Yantis, Pielow Fair, Quinze & Milan, SeeleClient: Seattle Public LibraryProgram: Central library for Seattle’s 28-branch library system, including 33,700 sqm of hq, reading room, book spiral, mixing chamber, meet-ing platform, living room, staff floor, children’s collection, and auditorium, and 4,600 sqm of parking.Project year: 1999-2004Constructed Area: 38,300 sqmBudget: US $169.2 MPhotographs: Ramon Prat, Philippe Ruault, Iwan Baan, Fernando Herrera

The Seattle Central Library redefines the library as an institution no longer exclusively dedicated to the book, but as an information store where all potent forms of media—new and old—are presented equally and legibly. In an age where information can be accessed anywhere, it is the simultaneity of all media and, more importantly, the curatorship of their content that will make the library vital.

This is -by far- one of the most inspiring projects I know. And it´s not just the skin or the structure. It´s the new program relations, that make of this more than a mere library, but an enhaced public space around knowledge.

http://www.archdaily.com/11651/seattle-central-library-oma-lmn/

2nd Floor Plan 3rd Floor Plan

4th Floor Plan 7th Floor Plan

11th Floor Plan