Student Work
Interspectives: A New Library Typology
Spring 2024
Studio Critic: Lane Rick
Studio Partner: Kelly Lopez
Libraries were once places of study and focus, housing information in the form of physical books, newspapers, and other archival materials. However, the proliferation of digital forms of media, have nearly obsoleted the once primary function of libraries. While the digital era comes with a vast set of benefits, arguments have been made that the digital era has come at the cost of community and real human connection. Social media doom scrolling and the consumption of fast and readily accessible information has impacted our desire or ability to connect with one another. Thus, today’s libraries primarily focus on creating those now much needed spaces of community engagement. Interspectives aims to bridge this gap by exploring the phenomenon of slippage. Inspired by the practice of studying at a library or producing research, when ideas, thoughts and findings continuously lead to more ideas, thoughts and findings; we aim to unpack and actualize the experience of going down a rabbithole. By designing instances of compounded slippage, the users are projected in through the depth of the building, producing opportunities to connect with and peer into the experiences of their neighbors and community members. This sort of experience is intended to suggest openness, transparency and connection.
1. Interspectives emphasizes the different mediums and types of knowledge necessary for the modern New Yorker
2. As one enters the building, you begin to see glimpses of the massive, immersive art display tucked away in the southwest corner. The immersive display leads community members down the ramp, which begins the procession to the theater on the basement level
3. A typical floor plan with book stacks is accompanied by a series of private viewing rooms for digital media, community classroom and education spaces, as well as reservable office spaces for community supportive services.
4.The Double facade of CLT and extruded ceramic play off of the rhythms and materiality of the existing neighborhood, meant to blend in while being a symbol of contemporary thought. Wood paneled veneers hint at the CLT construction of the building, representing a historic, pragmatic, and still modern skeleton, while ceramic represents oranmentality, longevity, though in a highly technological and modern material
5. The ground floor celebrates togetherness and light, meant to be a gathering space for readers and pedestrians alike
6.Facade studies both in digital and physical modeling allowed us to asses appropriate light control while maintaining a facade which mimic the rhythm of surrounding buildings.
7. The phenomenon of the enfilade is celebrated throughout the interiority of the building, meant to evoke privacy in between the stacks as well as a sense of wander as you wrap around the endless stacks of knowledge
8. CLT construction is emphasized in public areas with exposed rafters, while tucked away in more intimate areas where light and temperature needs to be controlled.
9. The rhythm of the glazing
system emulates that of the surrounding historic brownstones
10. A double facade system allows for the illusion of slipping materiality.
11. CLT construction is emphasized in public areas with exposed rafters, while tucked away in more intimate areas where light and temperature needs to be controlled.
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