Rem Koolhaas - Seattle Public Library

[TheAllusionist]

Rem Koolhaas OMA - Seattle Public Library - Seattle, Washington: Seattle Central Library - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Some of you around here may know from previous discussions that I am not a huge fan of Rem's exterior work, I do enjoy his interiors though. I had talked about the Seattle public library and how though I had never visited it that I wasn't a fan of the heavy handed lattice work from the exterior nor it's overall form, even though I had never visited the project.

I got a chance to actually visit the project a while back and take some pictures. Though I retain my opinion on the exterior form which was basically designed (from what I hear) from charts and space analysis from load and use spreadsheet diagrams, I have to admit up close and at human scale it has some cool things going for it.

Personally from a block away I am not ecstatic about the building, I don't hate it or anything, just see it as something new and unique in urban texture here, but not wowed per say. As I get closer and approach the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the building, some items are alluring and promise of something exciting going on. Once inside the heavy metal lattice work that is actually acting as sun screens/blades really shine as architectural elements. The volumes from inside and the views out the glazing really make this feel like an urban space. The interior is inspiring to me and a fun space to visit that is used by the public and a hub of activity in downtown Seattle, so I view the project as a nice success.

Those are my subjective opinions, I will let some pictures speak more eloquently than I and let you form your own opinions.

Exterior Views:

[TheAllusionist]

Interior Views:

[Director Bob]

That’s different, The building to the north of the Library across Spring St. Looks to have the Same Structural elements in the Pyramid at the top. Are the two buildings related in any way? Looks like a New city facade being worked in.

[TheAllusionist]

I couldn't answer that, the other building is older so I would think if it was an intended tie in by Rem, then it was last minute as the earlier designs didn't really have the heavy metal structure, visible anyways. Who knows what ties the deconstructivist had with the existing vocabulary and downtown pallet?

This link has the earlier design that met with opposition and it also has some of the technology behind the glazing system: Neither Modernism Nor Historicism - Remment "Rem" Koolhaas - Wired New York Forum

Some top knotch pictures here that put mine to shame: Image Gallery: Seattle Library | Rem Koolhaas

[d.sign]

Hey Russell, those are really nice shots, especially interiors and that back up your small review. I actually like what you wrote, without any theoretical and apologetic tone you gave a clear insight from human POV as you said, from user point of view, which architectural critic often neglect and forget... some good points made and I wish I had a chance to see the building even though it is sure not one of my favorites from Rems opus...

[TheAllusionist]

Thanks Branko, you know I am not one to exude eloquent theoretical doctrines. I will try in the spring to visit EMP (Experience Music Procject) by Ghery, I know you don't like his work, but I figure since I live here I may as well experience the architecture and document it.

Hey, in the next five years when you come visit the US you can stop by and I will show you around.