Dr. Seuss' Library

Lights That Delight

By Randy Reid

The library at University of California San Diego (UCSD), known as the Geisel Library, was renamed in honor of Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, and his wife Audrey, who made significant donations to the facility. This iconic building, alongside the renowned Hotel del Coronado, is one of the most famous structures in San Diego and within the entire UC system. The library was originally designed by William Pereira, a wellknown architect whose signature style is recognizable in other famous structures such as the Transamerica Building in San Francisco and the floating restaurant at LAX.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Kevin deFreitas of Kevin deFreitas Architects, the architect and mastermind behind the redesign of the Geisel Library's lobby, and Diane Borys, Founding Principal of Noctiluca Lighting, who was responsible for the new lighting design. They walked me through the newly renovated building, highlighting the changes in the lighting design. I couldn't help but wonder if I would have fared better in my academic pursuits if libraries were as inviting and inspiring as this when I was a student.

ENTRANCE

The Geisel Library, designed by Pereira in 1968, opened in 1970. While the entrance is iconic from the outside, the inside was originally small, with a low ceiling and basic carpeting. Fluorescent lights were installed, creating an unremarkable interior.

The new light art in the entrance was crafted by the renowned Californian artist John Baldessari, who previously taught at the university. The piece reads, "Read, write, think, dream.” Additionally, Roy McMakin, another faculty member, contributed to the artwork by designing the accompanying benches. With the redesign, the light art in the entrance has now become one of the most Instagrammed places on campus.

The foyer of the library.

Photo by Diane Borys

Local manufacturer A-Light Architectural Lighting provided custom-sized fixtures for the new entrance lighting. Diane pointed out that the curve of the fixtures is an essential aspect of the design concept, evident throughout the building's lights, carpeting, and details, matching the exterior's concrete curve. Kevin explained, “This curve increases the strength of the building's concrete, and we brought the geometry of the curve into the interior design.” Although it was challenging to find pendant lights with curved corners during the 2020 design, it is now a popular trend.

The luminaires have a color temperature of 3500K and are fully dimmable, while the square 2-inch downlights in the main lobby are sourced from CSL and are visually appealing, especially in contrast to the previous 8 inch incandescents.

GENERAL LAYOUT

The design of the library prioritized openness and accessibility in line with the ideals of open and democratic societies that share information. To achieve this, the carpet was removed and replaced with reflective flooring to create a brighter and more spacious environment. Walls were also removed to make the library as open and bright as possible. The redesign involved a timeless neutral pallet to let the colorful window art, rainbow wall mural and students themselves provide the color in the space.

The transformation of libraries accelerated during the pandemic, and more collections are going digital. Consequently, the top floor's book stacks were removed and replaced with ultra-quiet study spaces. As you move down the floors, the study spaces become progressively louder, and the library's focus shifts towards meeting and collaboration spaces with facilities such as a GIS room and 3D printer room. The lighting design reinforces this programming and highlights the architecture.

INTEGRATED SERVICES AREA

Moving on from the entrance, there are different sections off the lobby, including Geisel West and Geisel East, each with a distinct color at the entrance traced with a thin line of light creating a portal. Kevin humorously refers to these as “Tron lights,” which are used to draw people through the space by using color and light.

One of the rooms off through one of these portals was like a time machine, transporting me back to the 1980s with its outdated design. The 1 x 4 fluorescent fixtures had multi-colored louvers, and it was hard to tell if the louvers had changed color or if the fluorescent lamps were different color temperatures. Maybe both. The room had a dark and artificial feel, and one fixture appeared to be hanging precariously from the ceiling, which only added to the oppressive atmosphere. It was a stark contrast to Diane’s bright and welcoming design.

The former transaction counter has been relocated, and the Integrated Services space now serves as an open lounge. “The original fixture that we had specified for the Integrated Services space was discontinued during COVID,” Diane explained. “During construction we had to find a new luminaire that was within the budget. This is where Coronet came in. Their Y-shaped luminaire complements the linear forms of the building while not competing with the irregular ceiling shape.” Kevin added that “the Y-shape also represents the library idea of challenging knowledge and asking “Why?””

The Integrated Service Hub

Photo Credit: Ian Patzke

The lighting design also employs layers and accents to help create a sense of movement and visually guide visitors through the space without signage. The library is in a constant state of transformation, with exhibits showcasing archives from Geisel. The archives are periodically updated every quarter, with new exhibits being displayed in the gallery.

The library's ceiling is mainly exposed concrete, which may seem impractical for sound absorption. Kevin explained that the goal was to expose the historic structure and the building's original back-of-house aesthetic. As part of the redesign, the drop ceiling at 9 feet was removed, and the ceiling height was increased to around 15 feet. Due to the ceiling's irregular shape, sound absorption is not a problem. The irregularity dramatically reduces sound reflection, as opposed to a symmetrical space where sound can bounce off surfaces.

In the distance, various study rooms are visible, featuring different shades of blue, from dark to medium to light. Wall washers are used to create a sky theme, with metal columns backlit to highlight cloud perforations.

In contrast to traditional library rules, Geisel features a café where students can eat, drink, and socialize. Diane noted that the goal is to make people comfortable, in line with the library's emphasis on accessibility and openness.

ACTIVE LEARNING CLASSROOMS

We visited an active learning classroom where students take the mandatory "How Do You Use the Library" course. The library is one of the few academic buildings open all day, five days a week, and soon it will be open 24/7, due to the growing campus population. The library serves as a central hub, providing essential services for students and is often referred to as the living room of the campus.

In the active learning classrooms, the linear indirect/direct luminaire housings are asymmetric to help reduce glare and are strategically placed and routed to highlight the space and ceiling. The combination of finished wood and concealed CSL cylinders with raw concrete complements the space.

Active Learning Classroom

Photo Credit: Ian Patzke

Kevin showed us the Nest, a reading area that felt like the most comfortable and welcoming area in the library. Kevin shared that his parents, both school teachers, passed away during the library's design phase. In their honor, Kevin and his family contributed to the budget, and the University added a plaque in remembrance of his parents, which was a touching moment during our visit.

Reading area in the library.

Photo Credit: Randy Reid

Diane's lighting design incorporated layers of light, including Louis Poulsen pendants in the front library area, which featured books by local authors. The pendants added to the theme of openness and warmth and gave the area an oldfashioned feel, which was further emphasized by the use of wooden slats in the entry and the curved area of the active learning classroom.

The design and construction of the library took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first site walk taking place on March 16th, 2020, the very day that the library was closed due to the pandemic. The design team hoped this would speed construction. It ultimately proved an added challenge for the project since the university also had financial concerns, as the library does not belong to a particular department and therefore there was no designated champion for funding. Kevin explained that the library belongs to everyone and no one as it serves all eight colleges at UCSD, each with its own provost competing for funding.

Kevin showed me a concrete column and pointed out a whimsical design that seemed embedded in the concrete. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be a grey fresco. He then explained that over the decades, hundreds of signs had been glued to that one column, making it look like a billboard. This was a common practice among student organizations, who would plaster printouts on every available surface. The column was left with glue residue and holes from mounting screws. Kevin and his team wanted to restore the column to its original state. He said, “Now the library uses light and color to guide people, not signs.”

The Geisel Library at UC San Diego is a remarkable building that underwent a transformative redesign that prioritized openness and accessibility. The lighting design played a significant role in the library's overall transformation, with custom-made fixtures and the use of light art guiding visitors through the space. The library is a central hub for students, and the redesign made it more inviting and welcoming. Kevin deFreitas and Diane Borys masterfully incorporated layers of light and unique design elements that emphasized the library's iconic architecture and openness. Their work is a testament to the power of lighting design to transform a space and make it more inviting to all. ■

Geisel Library's Lobby Renovation, A Rhyming Tale by ChatGPT

At UCSD, Geisel Library reigns supreme, A famous structure, it's a dreamy scene, With Pereira's design, iconic from afar, And Seuss' donations, it's a shining star.

Kevin deFreitas, an architect of fame, Led the redesign, with lighting a game, Diane Borys, a lighting designer bright, Crafted the lights, oh what a sight!

The entrance now greets with light art so grand, Baldessari's words, with benches at hand, A-light fixtures curve, matching the exterior, And WAC tracks, light up the interior.

The lobby now has a gallery's touch, With Cornet's "Y" luminaire, it's not too much, Tron lights guide, with colors of delight, Through Geisel West, East, South, and North’s light.

No more drop ceiling, no more carpeted floor, Reflective flooring, the space does adore, Open and bright, quite a sight, With study spaces, for all, day or night.

Asymmetric luminaires reduce glare, Wood and concrete, a unique design pair, Louis Poulsen's pendants add warmth and glow, Old-fashioned feel, with a vintage throw.

Layers of light, guide visitors through, Making them comfortable, nothing new, The Nest, a reading area so serene, With Kevin's tribute, to his parents seen.

COVID-19 made the project not so fast, But funding was a concern that could not last, The library belongs to all, they say, So light and color guide, without any fray.

The concrete column with a whimsical touch, Was once a billboard with signs too much, Now, light and color, are all they need, To guide people, and let their mind feed.

Geisel Library's redesign is now complete, Open, accessible, and very neat, With lighting design, that's sure to please, A welcoming space, for all to seize.

Before

After

OWNER: University of California San Diego (UCSD)

PROJECT: Geisel Library - Lobby Renovation

COMPLETE: September 2022

FIXTURE MANUFACTURERS

• Curved-edge open rectangle pendants: A-Light

• Lobby track at art: WAC (Strut track)

• Square outline 2x2 at elevators: Coronet

• Cylinders at wood ceilings: CSL

• "Y" Pendants: Coronet

• Asymmetric linear pendants: Coronet

• Service hub cove uplight: Interlux channel with Kelvix Tape

• Meet Spot book area pendants: Louis Poulsen

• Backlit column tape: Kelvix

DESIGN TEAM

• Architect/mastermind: Kevin deFreitas, FAIA (Kevin deFreitas Architects)

• Lighting Designer: Diane Borys, LC, CID, WELL AP, LEED AP, EIT, CEPE (Noctiluca Lighting)

• MEP: Syska Hennessy

• Graphics: Emily Desai (Bowyer)