Rebuilding An Endangered Typology: The Future of the Public Library

rebuilding an endangered typology the future of the public library

JENNIFER BRANHAM THESIS PROPOSAL FALL 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4-5 6-7 8-9 10 11

12-13

INTENT U.S. HISTORY TRENDS TECHNOLOGY HPL SYSTEM

22-23

LOCATIONS SYSTEM DATA HISTORY HOUSTON CENTRAL INTERVIEW

24-25

LOCATIONS

14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21

26-27 28-29 30-31 32-33

DOWNTOWN SITES GREEN SPACES UNDEVELOPED LOTS SITE 01

34

SITE 02

35

SITE 03 FINAL SITE INFRASTRUCUTURE LAND USE CIRCULATION SITE PHOTOS

36-37 38 39 40 41

2

TYPOLOGY

PUBLIC SPACE DEFINITION CONTRIBUROTS GOOD SPACE BAD SPACE PROGRAM CONCEPT USERS STRATEGY SPECIFICS PRECEDENT ANACOSTIA SCHOOL DE DIJK SEATTLE PUBLIC WINNIPEG SURREY CITY VASCONCELOS MUSASHINO GUGGENHEIM OPEN AIR PEROT STAVANGER BIBLIOGRAPHY RESUME

42-43 44 45 46-47 48-49

50-51 52-53 54-55 56-57 58-59

60-61 62-63 64-65 66-67 68-69 70-71 72-73 74-75 76-77 78-79 80-81 82-83

84-85

86 3

think of the library as being a network instead of an established institution DANIEL VAN DER VELDEN

4

TYPOLOGY 6-7 8-9

U.S. HISTORY 10

11

INTENT

TRENDS

TECHNOLOGY 5

INTENT The library has been a stable part of American society for over 300 years, transforming from private collections to public entities. Programmatically very little has changed within this building typology (ie. stacks, circulation desks, and reading rooms). The public library was designed to cater to the needs of the public, but over the last two decades those needs have shifted away from books, and the library as a building typology must keep up or face extinction.

The written word is just as valuable today as it was back in the 1700s, but open access to information and the technology which we receive it through has the potential to stifle the existence of the tactile word. In today's society there is very little need to physically go to a library and pull a book off the shelf, especially when you can read it on the computer from the comfort of your own home or a Starbucks equivalent. So, if books are no longer the driving factor of the library, then what is?

In order to keep up with the changing needs of the public, the library must rethink what it means to house the tools of knowledge. According to the VARK model of learning, people learn in three ways either in combination or singularity: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. The library must cater its program to capture all three of the learning styles. No longer are reading books the only way to learn, but going to lectures and participating in hands on workshops are a must. The ways in which people learn are just as important as the settings they like to learn in. While some prefer the standard library model of quiet solitude others enjoy a more public setting with the bustle of activity. The library must accommodate both groups in order to maintain a vital part of the public's lives. Proportional amounts of space must be given to each style and setting of learning in order to cater the user group at large.

With the library’s new focus on different learning styles and settings, as opposed to only books in solitude, new programmatic elements will begin to evolve. With those new pieces of program the architecture of the typology will also change. No longer will the public library be a monolithic structure that represents the power of the book, but will be an open forum for learning of all types. Books are only a component of learning, they are not the sole source of it.

What if the library of tomorrow captured the vitality of Starbucks, the grand spaces of Notre dame, the tech savviness of an apple store, and the green sprawl of central park. What if all of those things could occur on a single site and be known as the Houston Central Library.

6

what does the library become if books are no longer the focus?

7

U.S. HISTORY The evolution of the public library can be attributed to the three previous library models: social, circulating, and school. The social library, started as a private venture by Benjamin Franklin, introduced the concept of sharing books, while the circulating library, which rented books out of print shops, focused on popular material. The third contributor the school library pulled the public library together by introducing public funding. Without all three prior models the public library would not be the institution that it is in the United States today.

1638 1700 1731 1742 1762 1800 1807 1830 1854 1890

Private libraries and university libraries exist for scholarly purpose.

Church libraries become open to the public.

Benjamin Franklin starts a personal subscription library between the literary society.

Library company of Philadelphia joins Franklins library by purchasing stock.

Books are only available to members of the library.

First circulating library opens in Maryland. Books are rented and novels become popular.

Mercantile library developed to create good citizens out of young middle class men. Founded on the principle that anyone could succeed given the right knowledge.

Boston atheneum created for the richest and highest class male members of society.

Horace Mann pushed for school libraries.

Boston Public Library opens and is known as the first true public library.

Melvil Dewey organizes and standardizes the library system.

First children’s libraries founded.

1894 1900

Age restrictions still present in 70% of libraries.

Libraries begin to resemble community centers, waging war for Americanization.

Reference departments and open shelf policy become standard.

8

1920

Andrew Carnigie begins his endowments to open more public libraries available to all. He erected 1700 libraries in the U.S. and 2500 total.

Adult education enters the library vocabulary.

1929 1940 1941 1956 2005 2006 2010

Financial support vanished due to the depression but the demand for library services grew.

90% of libraries in the south were closed to blacks.

Roosevelt issued a proclamation supporting libraries as essential to the functioning of a democratic society.

Library Services Act passed to allow federal funding for libraries.

Library 2.0 is found to be the new library model.

Bridging the digital divide becomes a concern for the American Library Association.

9,000 public libraries in the U.S. plus another 8,000 if branch libraries are counted.

social library

school library

circulating library

public library evolution 9

TRENDS Many trends in library models have surfaced over the years such as removing all books from the library and going completely digital or going completely backwards and banning all forms of technology from the library. With all trends they come and go, but the following three library trends in particular have a future with public library in the technology driven age. The three chosen trends embrace technology and the fast pace diversity our current society. By embracing what they have to offer the library typology will avoid extinction.

LIBRARY 2.0 The traditional library model is a pyramid with librarians and politicians at the top making decisions on content and programs which trickle down to the users. Library users have little say in selected content for the library, which leaves them less attached to the institution.

Library 2.0 is designed to mirror what is happening on the world wide web. The library model now becomes an open source system where voices can be heard and users can now, in essence, build the library they always wanted, whether it is requesting more trashy romance novels or building up a database of community history. “Library 2.0 will be a meeting place, online or in the physical world, where library users’ needs will be fulfilled through entertainment, information, and the ability to create their own stuff to contribute to the open of content out there�.

DIGITAL DIVIDE When libraries were started they were focused on "having an educated and literate public".

Literacy is an important topic, one which libraries should still offer assistance toward, but having a technology literate society is just as important by today's standards as having a society that can that can read. The digital divide is a program that will close the gap between those who can use current technology and those that have been left in the dark, due to lack of education or funding. The digital divide initiative does not end with access but makes it a mission to offer training and computer support in order to create an educated computer literate society.

RETOOLING The first tools of education were books, but with the advancement in technology learning is no longer limited to the black and white pages. The concept of retooling sees books as a tool checked out by users, and raises the question 'what other tools [to educate the masses] could be checked out of libraries?'. Libraries should be think tanks for learning of all methods: visual, auditory, kinesthetic. With the idea of re-tooling the library could develop programmatically into loaning not just books but technology and even actual tools. By retooling the library programmatic possibilities flourish and the case for de-emphasizing the book is strengthened.

10

TECHNOLOGY Technology has been making its way into the library for decades, but it was not until the 2000s when the gadgets began to challenge the book. Music and movies were great additions to the public collections but computers and kindles begin to question if books are even a necessity in today’s society. With technology coming out at a faster pace, the question of the books future is a pressing issue. This technology timeline shows the introdcution of the gadgets into mainstream society then notes when they entered the public library, which is sometimes decades later. The future library will be on the cutting edge of technology trends and will not only incoporate the devices but provide adequate space for the technology to be used to its full potential.

1966

Cassette tapes came out in the 60s but did not find its way into the library until years later.

1978

VHS tapes opened up the possibility of checking out films for free as opposed to renting.

1980

In the 1980s one could use a computer but in the 1990s one could own a computer. The technology did not become mainstream in the library until the 2000s.

1980

CDs allowed libraries to expand their music collections at half the space of cassette tapes.

1997

DVDs allowed libraries to expand their video collections at half the space of VHS tapes.

2008

Laptops outsell desktops this year and their popularity has been on the rise since. Libraries begin to design seating area, for the portable computer.

google book initiate makes it a priority to digitize 2004 The all books.

2007

Beginning in 2011 public libraries begin to integrate the electronic reader into their system.

2010

Ipad challenges the book with its ease of technology and access to ebooks

11

in many ways the library has become an appendage of the public space HUIB HAYE VAN DER WERF

12

hPL system LOCATIONS

14-15 16-17

SYSTEM DATA 18-19

20-21

HISTORY

HOUSTON CENTRAL 22-23

INTERVIEW 13

01

22

23 02

2 20

03 04

19

05 24 25 26 40 39

27 28

41

29

37

06

30

38

07

36 35

32

10

09

31 34

33

08

18

12

16 15

11

14 13

14

05

ring homes neighborhood library

06

jungman neighborhood library

07

robinson-westchase neighborhood LOCATIONS

08 hennington-alief regional library A library system exists to offer a variety of material dispersed a city. library walter neighborhood 09 throughout The library is designed to offer a learning 10 HPL express southwest experience and the future of the library frank library [hpl express] 11 morris depends on expanding that experience.

12 meyer neighborhood library Currently the Houston Public Library system has 45 entities ranging from a 500,000 ridge neighborhood l 13 stimley-blue square feet building downtown to a mobile 14 vinson neighborhood library van. The branches are dispersed fairly evenly throughout15thejohnson city, so neighborhood when taking library on Houston as a case study for updating the 16 mancuso neighborhood library library typology; it only made sense to tackle the largest piece of system,neighborhood which is the library bracewell 17 the Central Library downtown.

18 park place regional library

21

Great public buildings have already beengardens neighb 19 mccrane-kashmere created in the HPL system but on a much 20 dixon neighborhood library smaller scale. The mini successes of the library 21 lakewood smaller neighborhood libraries, neighborhood leave the central library to be looked at as an outdated 22 scenic woods regional library icon that is treading water. By focusing efforts neighborhood 23 moody link on the weakest architectural the entire library system could be strengthened.

24 heights neighborhood library

17

25

carnegie neighborhood library

26

fifth ward neighborhood library

27

tuttle neighborhood library

28

pleasantville neighborhood library

29

flores neighborhood library

30

stanaker neighborhood library

31

melchner neighborhood library

32

smith neighborhood library

33

young neighborhood library

34

mcgover-stella link neighborhood

35

parent resource library

36

clayton library center for genealog

37

loosecan neighborhood library

38

freed-montrose neighborhood libr

39

african american library at the greg

40

central library

41

HPL express discovery green 15

SYSTEM DATA

45 CENTRAL [1] Main library in the system which supports all other libraries. Usually all processing is centralized here and the principal collections are housed here. Synonymous with main library.

libraries in the HPL system

BRANCH/NEIGHBORHOOD [31] A subset of a regional library that caters to a smaller/more specific user group

REGIONAL [4] Typically larger than a neighborhood library but a subset of the central library.

Collection serves the interests of a region in the city.

EXPRESS [4] Library facility located within existing public buildings. Programmatically they contain 3 areas: book center, computer center, and one classroom

MOBILE EXPRESS [1] A mobile computer training laboratory.

SPECIAL COLLECTION [3] Carries specialized material which caters to a specific users.

SATELLITE [1] Library facility housed in another institution. (ie. the children’s museum)

2,850,979 books 169,063 audios 100,809 videos x 1375 computers 16

SOURCE: INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES 2009

acres homes neighborhood library [8720] collier regional library [17,440] oak forest neighborhood library [8339] hillendahl neighborhood library [10,900] ring homes neighborhood library [8333] jungman neighborhood library [18,530] robinson-westchase regional library [18,094] hennington-alief regional library [19,620] walter neighborhood library [60,400] HPL express southwest [3600] HPL express morris frank library [12,000] meyer neighborhood library [8339] stimley-blue ridge neighborhood library [14,660] vinson neighborhood library [9810] johnson neighborhood library [12,190] mancuso neighborhood library [8930] bracewell neighborhood library [8857] park place regional library [16,000] mccrane-kashmere gardens neighborhood library [11,178] dixon neighborhood library [3270] lakewood neighborhood library [4524] scenic woods regional library [12,252] moody neighborhood library [6213] heights neighborhood library [15,260] carnegie neighborhood library [19,620] fifth ward neighborhood library [2000] tuttle neighborhood library [7722] pleasentville neighborhood library [4360] flores neighborhood library [9265] stanaker neighborhood library [9265] melchner neighborhood library [4578] smith neighborhood library [11,445] young neighborhood library [7922] mcgover-stella link neighborhood library [20,000] parent resource library at the childrens museum [5500] clayton library center for genealogical research [33,321] loosecan neighborhood library [8052] freed-montrose neighborhood library [16,459] african american library at the gregory school [20,000] central library [533,620*] HPL express discovery green [300] *square footages are approximates

1013948 square feet in total system

17

HISTORY Houston’s public library system has come a long way with the help of a few key people. In order to sustain importance in the city this public institution must make some big changes to embrace the wave of future trends.

1854 1861 1877 1878 1887 1895 1898 1904 1922 1926 1951 1971 1975 1989 1990 1995 1998 2006 18

Houston Lyceum started by Andrew Daly. The purpose of the lyceum was to bring culture into the community through lectures, discussions, and a library. The men only organization was located in the city courthouse.

Civil war brought growth of library to halt.

Library reopened in banquet hall after war but soon fell into hard economic times.

Had accumulated 1200-1300 books and because a depository for government documents.

Women could join, but all members still paid dues.

Anyone in the city could borrow material for a small annual fee of $3.00.

Library begins to fund raise in order to grow collection. Money is given from Andrew Carnigie.

New Carnigie library opens.

Popularity of library grows and new building is in the works.

New library building opens.

Library renamed to honor Julia Ideson for 42 years of librarian service.

Ideson building given historic building status.

New central public library building opens.

Named the Jesse H. Jones Building.

Library goes digital with a computer system.

Catalog goes digital.

Strategic master plan developed to help with future planning of library system.

Building is closed for two years due to renovations.

from top to bottom and left to right: Julia ideson building upon completion in 1926; central reading room in 1926; Lyceum in 1877; Carnigie colored library opening day; Julia Ideson; Ideson building under construction

19

HOUSTON CENTRAL The Houston Central Library, also known by many as the Downtown Library, is the largest piece of the Houston Public Library system. It gets this title of biggest due to its massive square footage and size of its collection. The building in which the central collection is housed was built in 1975 and was remodeled in 2008. From a bystanders perspective the monolithic structure leads one to assume that this is an institute not to be reckoned with. Such a grand building should lead to grand spaces for reading as well as community gathering, but this building has very few of those moments and leaves lots to be desired.

When the building was remolded in 2008 it was rumored that new public space was created, one that was inviting and lively. Sadly the only thing I saw three years after the face lift was a closed cafe, an underwhealming amount of computers, an awkward gallery space, a never opened gift shop, and too many drop ceilings. One reporter even stated on opening day that his favorite part of the building was the floor. Enough said.

The only great space in this building is outside of it and even that needs improvement.

The outdoor plaza has been livened up with bright colors on the surface and some shade structures but user presence is scarce. Seating is built up along the edge of the plaza but very little which effects the human scale has been done to engage the outdoor space.

The Houston Central Library had good intentions to redefine its standard as just another library, but all fell short when the 2008 face lift turned out to be superficial and no real architectural spaces were produced.

796,687 VISITS 1,515,042 COLLECTION SIZE 24,928 PROGRAM ATTENDANCE x199 computers SOURCE: HPL SYSTEM FY2010

20

from top to bottom and left to right: front plaza; display space; children’s reading area; entry; colored plaza addition 21

INTERVIEW WENDY HEGER Assistant Director for Planning & Facilities Houston Public Library [9.20.11] What is the square footage breakdown of the facility?

We do not have actual figures. The size of a library is based on the library collection. The central location has the largest collection so therefore has the largest square footage spaces.

The program is a balancing act between books, computers, and public space. We rely on historical usage data to help us predict spaces that will be used.

How would you define your user group?

We have 3 million users, which is the city of Houston. We cater to the city of Houston as a whole.

In terms of users, what is the daily breakdown? Who uses the library when?

Homeless and families are a large number of our users.

Mornings are used by adults and job seekers.

Afternoons (3-6) are utilized by children after school hours waiting for parents to pick them up.

Evenings are more for families and people who work during the day.

Weekends are full of families and children.

What is your prediction for the future of books?

Books will always be a main focus of the Central Library, mainly because we have the largest selection of books of any of the libraries in the Houston system.

What part of the collection would you reduce, knowing that books are still a priority?

With that, some of the collections are shrinking just due to the fact that books are online now.

The reference collection for example is shrinking because few people need to reference an encyclopedia or dictionary. Everything is online. Popular fiction could be reduced by adding the e-book into circulation. This would free up shelf space in order to accommodate more floor space for programmatic pieces such as more computers.

While some collections are shrinking others are growing, such as biographies.

What will the library of the future be?

When we design or update a library we consider trends that are on the rise. For example when we renovated the central library we predicted that there would be a higher demand for computers, and we were right. We added 100 computers to this location, but by today’s usage we could have used 300. We had no way of knowing exactly the correct number, only a guess.

One trend our next renovation should accommodate is seating for mobile device use. A place to sit, plug in, and work/surf.

How are the current activity programs utilized?

Programs are well attended, especially in neighborhood branches. For example story time at the Kendall Branch has 100+ kids.

22

Do you feel that you have enough space for activity programs?

We have enough activity rooms, but could use a 500 seat auditorium to host larger events.

Also the plaza space in front of the library could be better utilized (farmers market, exercise classes, art festivals)

HOMEWORK HELP AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

SCHOOL SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY LITERACY WORKFORCE RATE DEVELOPMENT ACCESS EDUCATION

TEACHING READING STUDY FOR GED ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE COMPUTER SKILLS

hpl focus groups

*interview retyped at later date and answered paraphrased

23

ideally, the library should be as close as possible to the heart of the community it serves AYUB KHAN

24

location 26-27

DOWNTOWN SITES

28-29 30-31

GREEN SPACES

UNDEVELOPED LOTS 32-33

SITE 01

34

SITE 02

35

SITE 03

36-37 38

FINAL SITE

INFRASTRUCTURE 39 40 41

LAND USE

CIRCULATION SITE PHOTOS 25

sixth

allen

park

ward

way

01

four t

h wa

rd

02

mid town

26

near no

DOWNTOWN SITES rth s

ide

03

east

end Downtown Houston is the center of the city regardless of other pocket developments. The highway system and building density denote a central presence of downtown. The new public library will be located in this true city center.

27

28

GREEN SPACES

Outdoor spaces are important to any city, but in Houston it is about capturing developed green spaces not just empty land. The public library should use the park as a model and resource of public space. The proposed sites are adjacent to existing public parks while the third site, which spans two city blocks, will incorporate building a park in connection with the library.

29

30

UNDEVELOPED LOTS

Undeveloped lots plague downtown Houston and create pockets of undesirable spaces to drive and walk past. By developing in these spaces, holes in the city fabric can begin to be patched up with program that will hopefully weave a tighter system. Two of the proposed sites for the new Houston Public Library will utilized these empty sites.

31

WHY HOUSTON In Houston the climate is less than desirable, the infrastructure is built to accommodate the car not the pedestrian, there is no zoning, and a multitude of city centers pull people in every direction. With the lacking in ideal qualities of an urban city Houston becomes the perfect prototype for the updated public library typology. The city restrictions or lack there of, will architectural shape the building as well as offer a variety of interesting potential sites. If the updated public library can work in Houston it can work in a city where the weather is bearable, the people walk, and there is a true sense of center.

WHY DOWNTOWN The library system has had a presence in downtown Houston since the 1900s and has been the home of the central public library since 1926. The Houston library system has forty five locations dispersed throughout the city, and even with multiple city centers downtown is still the most central location for a public library that is designed to cater to all of Houston. Downtown offers a mix of amenities ranging from theaters, to offices, to sports arenas. A diverse population uses downtown unlike other areas of the city that cater more to families, young professionals, or creatives. Downtown best represents Houston as whole which is a conglomeration of spaces and people.

SITE CONSIDERATION FACTORS ACCESS [foot traffic, vehicular traffic,mass transit] LOCATION [interlace Houston systems] TRAFFIC FLOW SITE AVAILABILITY [open to public] TOPOGRAPHY [open space/outdoor space] SOLAR AND WIND ORIENTATION VISIBILITY [brand development] USER AND STAFF SAFETY COMMUNITY SYNERGY [foster activity] SIZE FOR GROWTH COST FACTORS INFRASTRUCTURE OTHER

SOURCE: BETTER BY DESIGN

32

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bus stops

EXISTING LOCATION The current location of the Houston Central Library sits in the North West portion of downtown, in close proximity to the theater district and Buffalo Bayou. Access to the site is plentiful as there are multiple parking garages, bus stops, and street parking available. The current building does not acknowledge Sam Houston park, which sits adjacent to the lot, so the new proposal for the site will be to rotate the public entrance to face the park and bayou. This rotational change will open up any type of outdoor plaza space on the library’s lot to become more of a public plaza and allow for a connection to be made with existing green spaces in the city.

This location was not chosen as the final site in an attempt to break away from the previous tone of the space. Also since the building is not in any state of disrepair to justify it being torn down it is best left in tack, but will no longer house the downtown central library. The building has a better use to be used for administrative and archival purposes.

33

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LIGHT RAIL Houston’s association with the car has shaped its infrastructure and put a limit on the mass transit options available within the city. The light rail system that is currently in place only reaches a small portion of the city but those corridors where it runs have the opportunity to capitalize on the growth of the system. The downtown portion of the system runs along many undeveloped lots, so by creating public spaces in those lots people will have a reason the use the mass transit system. This site lends itself to expand along two city blocks and allow for indoor and outdoor spaces to spill into each other. The public library in this location could be the start of empty lot corridor development and defining what could be present in downtown.

This location was not chosen as the final site. The area does not offer a lot of inspiration and starting a public development project in a fairly dead area might not prove to be the best move.

34

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DISCOVERY GREEN Since Discovery Green’s opening in 2008 the South East portion of downtown has become known as the pocket of social magnets. Between Minute Maid Park, the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Toyota Center, and Discovery Green Park Houstonians are flocking to this area. There is a great base of public activity surrounding this ideal site and a public library placed in this location could benefit greatly from all of the activity and program that currently exists. With close proximity to highway 59, city bus stops, and pedestrian pathways, lack of public access is not an issue. This site allows the library to much more easily capitalize on public programs and community outreach. With the shift in traditional programmatic components of the library these public programs will become the new emphasis of this public icon.

This is chosen as the final site where the new public library will reside. Playing off the strengths of the area the library should be able to thrive here as a public institution.

Many cities have arts districts, museums districts, and flower districts but what if this area of downtown became known as the public space district. This will be the place to come and enjoy public amenities and will be known as the front porch of the city.

35

FINAL SITE

By focusing on the effective market radius of three blocks from the site analysis can begin to made that looks at infrastructure, land use, and circulation.

36

walking radiuses

3 block market radius

3 block realistic market radius 37

INFRASTRUCTURE

38

LAND USE

park

commercial/retail

institutional/public

multi-family

utilities 39

CIRCULATION

BIKE TRAIL

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

METRO ROUTE

AUTOMOBILE

40

SITE PHOTOS

WEST CORNER

NORTH CORNER

EAST CORNER

SOUTH CORNER 41

when spaces work well they serve as the stage for our public lives PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES

42

PUBLIC SPACE 44 45

DEFINITION

CONTRIBUTORS

46-47

GOOD SPACE

48-49

BAD SPACE 43

DEFINITION WHAT IS PUBLIC SPACE Many cities have it, while many cities lack it, and few have good examples of it. Everyone has the right to use public space and request that their city provide good forms of it. Public space can take the traditional form of park, plaza, or square or the non traditional form of sidewalk, staircase, or empty lot. It surrounds the urban dweller on an everyday basis and when done well it is “the front porch” of our lives.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PUBLIC SPACE “Great public spaces are where celebrations are held, social and economic exchanges take place, friends run into each other, and cultures mix”. Houston was recently named North American’s placemaking capital, stating that we have achieved the development of great public space and it is unfolding into the rest of the city. A little over twenty years ago public space in Houston was a fairy tale with many referring to it as “pursuing the unicorn”, something that can never be caught. Great spaces “do not bloom in void, but are fed by the rich pedestrian life of the neighborhood streets around them”.

Successful spaces have four key qualities that will always hold true in defining a space. (1) the site is accessible (2) the space engages in activity (3) the space is comfortable (4) it is a sociable place. With those qualities success is also measured with the power of ten, in that “any great place needs to offer at least ten things to or reasons to be there”. Good public space is obtainable, it just takes the correct foundation to make it a success. number of women, children & elderly

local business ownership

social networks

land use patterns

volunteerism diverse stewardship

evening use street life

cooperative neighborly pride

friendly interactive welcoming

SOCIABILITY

proximity connected

ACCESS & LINKAGES

readable

COMFORT & IMAGE

indigenous celebratory sustainable safe clean “green” walkable

sittable

walkable convenient

mode splits

accessible

transit usage

spiritual charming attractive historic

crime statistics sanitation rating

pedestrian activity

building conditions

parking usage pattern

environmental data

SOURCE: PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES

44

USES & ACTIVITIES

PLACE

continuity

traffic data

property values fun rent levels active vital retail sales special real useful

WHERE DOES LIBRARY FIT As a public building the public library can tap into the foundations of what makes a great public space. As with any government institution the space outside of building is just as important as the spaces within in. Even if a person never enters the building at large they will be effect by it in passing.

So why not create an enjoyable place “that capitalizes on [the] community’s assets and inspiration, and promotes people’s health, happiness, and well being.” The public library is open to all and is just as much a public building as a public place.

CONTRIBUTORS The work and research of the following two individuals encompasses key attributes that will be considered when making design decisions within the urban fabric of Houston’s downtown.

WILLIAM WHYTE William Whyte believed that “people vote with their feet- they use spaces that are easy to use, that are comfortable. They don’t use spaces that are not”. As an observer of public space for many years Whyte gained incite why spaces work and why spaces fail. More specifically he studied the occupants in the space: why they stopped, why they lingered, why they left. In his book turned film “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” Whyte looked at nine different factors that determine the success or demise of a place.

(1) Demographics of Plaza Users (market radius is three blocks) (2) Gender Differences (women and men are attracted to different places) (3) User Behavior (people are attracted to other people) (4) Sittable Space (people will sit anywhere if the dimension is right) (5) Natural Elements (sun, wind, trees, and water) (6) Food (gives life to a space) (7) Relationship to Pedestrian Flow (focus on street corner and site lines) (8) Capacity (must be self controlling) (9) Triangulation (presence of a stimulus) ALEX WALL Alex Wall’s work focuses on the convergence of landscaping, urban planning and architecture to form what he coins as the urban surface. This forward thinking is “the grafting of new instruments and equipment onto strategically staged surfaces [which] allows for a transformation of the ground-plane into a living, connective tissue between increasingly disparate fragments and unforseen programs”. By using this urban surface projects of differing programming can now be linked in an aesthetic manner. The new Perot Museum of Science in Dallas uses this method to link together the arts district over the highway into a park and ending in the science museum. The architectural landscape blends seamless from one project to the next and creates a cohesion that could only be formed by the merging of three disciplines. Wall devised six strategies to create a successful urban surface.

(1) Thickening is “continuous, multiple, and dynamic” (2) Folding “creates a kind of smooth geology that joins interior and exterior spaces into one continuous surface” (3) New Materials “bring a welcomed diversity to the pedestrian realm” (4) Non-Programmed Use “can accommodate many function both economical and enriching” (5) Impermanence “absorbs future demands without diminishing the integrity of the project” (6) Movement “accepts that infrastructure is important to the vitality of the contemporary city”

45

GOOD SPACES All of the following spaces showcase the four key qualities that make a good public space. There are not many of these public gathering points in Houston but the few we do have pull us to want more.

THE MENIL MUSEUM The Menil’s love of art founded the Menil Museum, which houses 21st century art, that eventually spiraled into a campus of several small art museums. The Rothko Chapel, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, and the Cy Twombly Gallery all tie into the larger artistic village.

The campus sites in a tree lined neighborhood that is now home to several small businesses which all play up the aesthetic collective village atmosphere. All of the museums are free and the great lawn dotted with oaks makes a great picnic spot on a summer day. Also the recent addition of a local cupcake truck parked outside of the main museums entrance flocks art patrons and foodies. This Houston hot spot is a little taste of culture that everyone can afford and has easy access to.

DISCOVERY GREEN This 12 acre urban park is located next to several large Houston magnets, such as the convention center, baseball park, basketball stadium, and the new soccer stadium. By placing the park right in the middle of all of these large venues the usability of the park increases exponential amounts. As well as being an pre/post game alternative the park offers a variety a built in programs like a water feature, great lawn, stages, boat basin, ice skating, restaurants, jogging trails, farmers markets, performances, and playgrounds just to name a few. The park prides itself in being family oriented and has drawn the crowds to prove that it is a good public space addition to the downtown area.

RICE UNIVERSITY Even though this public space is home to a private university any Houstonian would tell you that Rice’s campus is an extension of the city. The tree lined track that created a three mile loop around the campus attracts the most public users. There is also a weekend farmers market and award winning cafe that are open to the public inside the campus. The university has blended well into the fabric of the city and such a simple gesture as planting rows of trees over 100 years ago makes this a great space.

46

MARKET SQUARE Over the years this city block park has gone through several planning efforts, but the most recent revitalization struck a chord with Houstonians. The new Market Square opened in Fall 2010 and has a variety of activities to offer patrons such the Niko Nikos outdoor cafe and a dog park/run. There is also a variety of seating and people watching options available.

For more planned activities the square does host concerts and outdoor movies on a regular basis to pull in new users. Also the location of the square is beneficial to its success in that it is surrounded by restaurants and bars and is easily accessible from bus, rail, car, or by foot. Market square has been tucked away in downtown Houston for several decades but with a few programing efforts and some outdoor furniture this little gem is flourishing.

HERMANN PARK This area is the largest park inside the 610 loop covering 445 acres. The park attracts over 5.5 million visitors a year and is central located to several Houston neighborhood and the light rail. It is also adjacent to Rice University, the medical center, and the museum district. The park prides itself in being family oriented and offers just as much open land as programed space. Activities offered in the park include a golf course, an outdoor theater, Japanese gardens, picnic areas, a mini train, and paddle boats. By offering something for everyone the park easily appeals to the Houston population which is very diverse across the board.

47

BAD SPACES The following areas in Houston fail in terms of good quality public space. They do not address the pedestrian scale in a proper way nor do they foster planned or spontaneous public activity.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON The University of Houston is known as a commuter campus, where school is treated like a 9-5 job. Much like problems with downtown, the campus is dead in the evenings and on weekends. The area where the campus is located, third ward, is not the safest location for a college campus full of trusting young adults and has some pull in the abadonment during non-peak hours of operation. Also, the univeristy’s policy of endorsing the car has resulting in a plaugue of parking lots that suround the campus in a ring of concrete.

The campus does have a pretty good public art initiative but sculpture alone is not enough to pull people to a place. The idenity of the commuter campus needs to be rethought in terms of down playing the car. If parking lots were better dispursed in smaller lots the shock factor of so much paving might disappear. Or even rethinking the standard parking lot to have multiple uses might be beniful to the space as a whole.

48

DOWNTOWN TUNNEL SYSTEM Unique to Houston, the seven mile stretch of the tunnel system is designed to provide street like amenities in a comfortable conditioned space. Despite good intentions the tunnels fail at capturing good public space. This system which left the real Houston streets deserted, since everyone was now underground, did not solve the problem of an empty downtown after the work day. The tunnels claim to be public but much of the system is owned by private companies who do not endorse lingering. To get people in and out the seven mile maze has little to no visual stimulation as well as no public seating. One could live in Houston for years and never know that the tunnel system existed, since there is only one public entrance not tied into an office tower. Also, unlike any really good public space, the tunnels close after the workday and are not open on the weekends. The schedule of operation is a strong driving factor in the ineffectiveness of the tunnel system as a good public space.

GALLERIA AREA American shopping malls claim to be public spaces, but in reality the only activity to engage in revolves around retail. The Galleria, built in 1970, has been bustling with activity since opening day, the only problem is that everything is internalized. From a pedestrian standpoint the areas surrounding the high end shopping complex are daunting and dangerous. The car rules the street in this area, even though buildings are close enough to park and walk several blocks while still experiencing retail. In order to attract a new street user, variance in activities should be offered. Moves could also be made to de-emphasize the car and play up the pedestiran such as larger sidewalks and more vibrant cross walks. Shiny street signs may look nice but do not get people walking.

RELIANT PARK Houston has always been known as a car driven city and the Reliant Park area holds true to the stereotype. This sports stadium sits on 350 acres and is an island icon in a sea of parking. The current condition of the site is less than desirable largely because of its overwhelming scale and lack of pedestrian access. Reliant Park serves more as an in and out buffer zone where very little occurs outside of the stadium. Game seekers park their cars and make the trek through the concrete desert to their designated venue. A Cite article from 1984, long before Reliant during the Astrodome days, sums it up best. “Imagine a city park landscaped over that parking lot, where fathers could take their sons and daughters afterward, where friends could play catch and people lie under shade trees. No matter how keyed up you are after a game or rock concert you have no alternative but to sit in your car for half an hour, in hauling exhaust fumes and waiting for the opportunity to squeeze into the moving lane of existing cars�. More than twenty years later with new development to the area no true public space has been created. Maybe we will get it right on stadium number three in another twenty.

49

the library of the future will not just be literally, and certainly not exclusively, a book depository ESTER VAN DE WIEL EN JURGEN BEY

50

program CONCEPT

52-53

54-55

USERS

56-57

STRATEGY

58-59

SPECIFICS 51

CONCEPT Traditionally speaking, libriaries are a one trick poney. They offer the public access to books but struggle to successfully offer anything more. By rethinking what it means to be an institution of knowledge the public library will grow to be an educational commodity that citizens will stand in line for. The new library model will focus on the VARK learning styles of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning. Spaces will be then be created to accomidate the activities that stem from the original learning style. These activities are not foreign to most libraries they are just not given the attention or right space to blossom. Overall the library of future will redefine itself in the public eye as having captured sprawling landscapes, market vitality, tech saviness, and inspiring spaces all woven into the urban fabric of the city.

sprawling landscapes market vitality

technology savvy 52

inspiring spaces

BOOKS

READING

MAGAZINES NEWSPAPERS

VISUAL

MOVIES/FILM

WATCHING

NEWS PRESENTATIONS

AUDITORY

MUSIC

LISTENING

BOOKS LECTURES SCIENCE

TOUCHING COMPUTERS

KINESTETIC

EXERCISE

DOING

ART GARDENING COOKING 53

USERS The Houston Central Library is the only unit in the HPL system that must cater to the entire city, not just surrounding neighborhoods. Due to large numbers and a diverse population programing for over 2 million potential users becomes a challenge. By looking at race and language of the city, assumptions can begin to be made toward a target user group. Even with this data there are still generic groups to consider when designing such a large facility such as families, children, job seekers, students, and homeless. Some user groups are more desirable than others, but all must be considered since this is a public building and all are welcome.

2,242,213 users in Houston

most likely to have a

library card

HOUSEHOLD INCOME 100,000+

WOMEN

COLLEGE GRADUATES

WORKING MOTHERS

most likely to have

visited the library

WOMEN

WORKING MOTHERS

SOURCE: AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

54

SOME COLLEGE

WORKING WOMEN

race

UNITED STATES

HOUSTON

WHITE BLACK HISPANIC ASIAN OTHER 80%

60%

40%

20%

20%

40%

60%

80%

language

UNITED STATES

ENGLISH ONLY

HOUSTON

OTHER THAN ENGLISH

SPEAK ENGLISH LESS THAN WELL

SOURCE: 2000 CENSUS

31 54 percent of the population in HOUSTON is illiterate*

Houston’s ranking in terms of literacy rate out of 72 cities*

SOURCE:READ HOUSTON

SOURCE: READ HOUSTON

32

million adults in the US have such low literacy skills that it would be tough for them to read anything more challenging than a children’s picture book or to understand a medication’s side effects listed on a pill bottle*

SOURCE: USA TODAY

55

STRATEGY Programming for the new Houston Central Library will be a combination of reducing the indoor square footage and introducing inhabitable outdoor space. By incorporating the works of William Whyte and Alex Wall, as well as the the ten commandments and seven deadly sins fo library design, a great public building will be added to downtown.The programming elements which were derived from the VARK model of three learning styles can be broken down into five categories: storage, interactive, learning, private, and additional. All components of this new learning focused library fit within those five simple elements. By understanindg the elements and their level of importancebetter spaces and adjacencies can begin to develop. The library of tomorrow will no longer segregate spaces according to function but will integrate and blur the line between department and public space. The library typology will be redefined as not just a place to check out books but a place to learn, a place to connect, and a place to gather. Houston’s Central Library will set the tone for all public libraries to come.

7 deadly sins 10 commandments 01 bad lighting 02 inflexible 03 bad location 04 complex maintenance 05 insufficient work and storage space 06 bad security 07 signature architecture

traditional

Hierarchical design and circulation Imposing steps and entrance Domes and rotundas Restricted access to books Temple of knowledge Institutional furniture Stand alone building Librarians as knowledge custodians Child free Galleries and mezzanines Individual study carrels

SOURCE: BETTER BY DESIGN

56

01 adaptable 02 accessible 03 varied 04 interactive 05 conducive 06 environmentally suitable 07 safe and secure 08 efficient 09 suitable for information technology 10 functional

modern

Open-plan design Street-level, retail entrance Atriums and top floor cafĂŠs Open access to books and other material The living room in the city Domestic or club furniture Shared space with other services Librarians as knowledge navigators Child friendly Escalators and lifts Seminar rooms and computer suites

533,620 sf CURRENT HOUSTON CENTRAL LIBRARY

425,000 sf indoor

outdoor

PROPOSED HOUSTON CENTRAL LIBRARY

DIVIDE SPACES

STORAGE

INTERACTIVE LEARNING

PRIVATE

ADDITIONAL

5 ELEMENTS

INTEGRATE ELEMENTS

57

SPECIFICS STORAGE Storage will exist throughout the facility and hide things such as janitorial and office supplies.

Stacks traditionally take up large portions of floor space, but with the transition away from the tangible book there existence can be more of a design element and less of an eye sore. They should also be easily accessible from all public areas.

References will include bibliographies, directories, and base reference material. Even though most referencing can be done online, space should still be given to the act of quickly flipping pages and taking notes.

Newspapers/magazines will have a larger role in the library. Houstonians come from all over the world so an area dedicated to keeping up with worldly happenings is a must.

Special collections should be kept separate from main stacks but still be accessible. It should not be a secret where the most valuable books are kept. Some day the entire book collection may be considered a special collection.

Audio/visual collection will be adjacent to areas for listening to music and watching film. These spaces will not be limited to single person rooms, as these stimulating art forms deserve an audience.

Archives will be near administrative but still open for public access. Also a large portion of the archives will be kept at the original library location.

INTERACTIVE Reading room will no longer be a unified space but broken up and dispersed throughout. Even with this division there will still be a clear definition between quiet and loud spaces.

Service/circulation desk will be central to the entrance as well as all learning areas, not just limited to book. If there is a question about music or current events in the news area a librarian will be available to help.

Computer room will at a minimum accomidate 300 computers.

Lobby/entrance hall will be a grand space that sets the tone for the rest of the building.

Circulation space will weave together all of the programmatic elements and be visual stimulating at a vertical scale.

Children’s area will be adjacent to the entry in order to entice families.

CafĂŠ will be a place for lounging and interaction over coffee and food.

Book shop will allow for best sellers to be purchased and library trinkets to be sold. The space will emulate a museum gift shop that pays tribute to the best of the trade.

58

Seating will be practical, functional, and comfortable. Naps will be taken and papers will be written here, therefor the furniture must accommodate both. Seating should also be adjacent to plugs for handheld devices.

LEARNING Study rooms will be designed for single as well as group study.

Meeting/seminar rooms will accommodate hands on learning as well as lectures.

Auditorium will have seating for 500 people and can be utilized for large lectures and performances.

Theatre will have seating for 150 people and can be utilized for more intimate lectures and presentations.

Exhibition space will showcase a new theme every month and try to bridge the gap between art forms.

Rental space will allow for organizations to have stake in the public library and create more of public draw toward the facility.

PRIVATE Offices/workrooms will have access to natural daylight and be centrally located in the building.

Book circulation will have access to all floors.

ADDITIONAL Restrooms will be on every floor in a standard location.

Copy rooms will be in administrative areas as well as near the stacks.

Mechanical will make up 20% of the total square footage.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Wayfinding is very important in a large public building and poses the opportunity to integrate branding throughout the building as well as denote different spaces that otherwise might blend together Lighting will focus on natural systems, which will help cut energy costs as well as create an enjoyable interior space.

Shelving will be designed to direct the flow of spaces not define them.

Structure should be as open as possible to allow for the flow of circulation: planned and natural.

Noise will be considered when laying out adjacent spaces. Consideration will be given to the different learning settings: loud vs. quiet.

Security should be addressed through proper lighting and visible design. At no point should a user feel that their safety is in jeopardy.

59

It’s the new program relations, that make of this more than a mere library, but an enhanced public space around knowledge

60

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

precEdent ANACOSTIA

62-63

64-65 SCHOOL DE DIJK 66-67 SEATTLE PUBLIC 68-69

WINNIPEG

70-71 SURREY CITY CENTRE 72-73 VASCONCELOS 74-75 MUSASHINO ART UNIVERSITY 76-77

GUGGENHEIM 78-78 OPEN AIR 79-80 PEROT

81-82

STAVANGER 61

62

ANACOSTIA LIBRARY LOCATION Washington D.C Commercial and residential surrounding area Area once plagued by drugs, crime, & poverty

[ THE FREELAN GROUP 2010 ]

PROGRAM 22,000 SF Offices Children’s area* Library/study Special programs Seminar rooms Community rooms Lounge *large number of children in area, so this is a spatial emphasis for the library CONCEPT This small scale library was created to be highly visible and have transparency of functions. With the lime green roof denoting the main reading space and the glass facade along the entry the line is blurred between institution and community center. Books are still a priority in this building, as the stacks are used to define spaces.“The twofold mission [was to] emphasis the value of books and reading while fostering a sense of community cohesion”. Sustainablity was also a main concern for the building. Measures were taken to achieve LEED silver through daylight harvesting, using a brownfield site, having a bio retention pond, under floor air circulation, and community teachings.

Overall the architecture “communicates the intended message: come, meet, read”.

ANALYSIS Through the use of simple shapes and clean lines this small scale library is great example of how to engage a community through the creation of spaces. The bright color of the roof emphasis the building as a community beacon and draws users in. Houston could benefit from a safe haven approach to design.

user circulation first floor

user circulation second floor 63

64

SCHOOL DE DIJK [ DROST + VANVEEN 2009 ] LOCATION Groningen, The Netherlands PROGRAM 14260 SF Montessori school Classrooms Library CONCEPT The school was moved next to an historic canal and situated on the site to align with the existing dike, which was considered the most prominent landscape feature of the site. The main corridor of the building, which is considered the backbone of any Montessori school follows the dike and opens up the building to views of the natural landscape. There is also an interesting sectional quality that creates playful spaces that spill into each other. The white color of the exterior contracts with its lush surroundings and represents a fresh new start for the school.

ANALYSIS The Montessori school is a great learning model for the public library since its design is based on creating spaces that foster learning. Lots of natural light and visual connections to the outside help create valuable interior spaces. Also the activity of school seems to be captured in the whimsical push in pull of geometric forms in elevation as well as section. The library could benefit from more light hearted spaces.

views

interior circulation 65

66

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY [ OMA 2004 ] LOCATION Seattle, WA Downtown urban area PROGRAM 412,000 total sf 363,000 sf of headquarters, reading room, book spiral, mixing chamber, meeting platform, living room, staff floor, children’s collection & auditorium 49,000 sf of parking CONCEPT Seattle Public redefined the library typology by successfully balancing interactive and quiet spaces.

New programmatic pieces were also invented such as the mixing chamber: “an area of maximum librarian-patron interaction, a trading floor for information orchestrated to fulfill an essential [and currently neglected] need for expert, interdisciplinary help”. With the help of Bruce Mau wayfinding signage and colors become an architectural element used to denote spaces, literally and figuratively.

OMA also saw the transitional spaces between the programmatic boxes as opportunities to redefine define spaces between levels, which makes each space a unique experience. The glass curtain wall structure really ties this building together and leaves users with spaces that are worthy of a great library and could rival any cathedral.

ANALYSIS The Seattle Public library was solving the problem of too many books, yet all of the books should be visible. By creating the spiral stacks proper space was given the book that are still very much used and opened up valuable floor space for interactive spaces. Through the use of color, glass, and typography interesting spaces are created that help to better define the new library typology. Seattle also successfully created an icon for their library system; one that has a bright future ahead.

custom program

stacks/books

spiral circulation 67

68

WINNIPEG LIBRARY [ PATKUA ARCHITECTS & LM ARCHITECTURAL GROUP 2005 ] LOCATION Winnipeg, Canada Occupies one city block Sits adjacent to an existing park PROGRAM 160,000 SF Public Library CONCEPT The original three story concrete building was built in 1976 and felt very disconnected from its natural surroundings. In 2002 the building was renovated and an addition was added that would heal the connection to the adjacent park. “Reorganization and expansion of the collections, reconfiguration of the circulation systems, and creation of new social spaces were also on the new design agenda”. The spatial layout of the library is a linear system that begins in the underground tunnels with an interior street and transforms into interior topography formed by a system of elongated stairs and reading terraces. The linear “strips [of program] progress from park to interior, from open to enclosed, from low to high, from areas of greatest public access and interaction to areas of privacy and quiet. This spatial order allows all visitors to see and understand the general arrangement of collections and functions whether they approach from elevators or from reading terraces and stairs.”

ANALYSIS The layout of this building is attractive in that it simplifies what could have been a complicated program. By treating the program as layers an interesting sectional quality is created that works; the further back into the building the more intimate the spaces become.

Also the rethinking of common architectural elements such as the stair and the drop ceiling show an attention to detail that pulls the entire space, interior as well as exterior, to form a cohesive enjoyable library.

program

main circulation 69

atrium

70

SURREY CITY CENTRE LIBRARY [ BING THOMAS ARCHITECTS 2011 ] LOCATION Surrey, British Columbia, Canada Transitioning from sprawling suburb to urban downtown PROGRAM 82,000 SF Living room Multipurpose room Silent study General workspace CONCEPT The Surrey City library prides itself on “creating spaces centered around real life activities such as a couch for mom to wait, a large clock to see if I am late, and a place to color and write”. Books are no longer the focus in this interactive driven library, but are given there appropriate space to the side. “BTA’s design includes a diverse mixture of large interconnected high spaces with generous natural light and low more intimate spaces to accommodate the book stacks and individual activities like studying and writing”. The facility was built larger than currently needed for the library alone but it was done so in anticipation of future growth. For the time being the local community college is renting out space. The extra square footage will eventually include more community rooms, open seating, and an underground civic parkade.

ANALYSIS How Fujimoto embraced the book no mater its fate, BTA predicted the dethroning of the crown jewel for the library typology. Books have their place in quaint quiet spaces in Surrey City but interactive living room spaces are the focus. No longer will a library be defined by its collection but by its access to caffinated beverages and comfortable chairs.

balconies 71

72

BIBLIOTECA VASCONCELOS LIBRARY [ ALBERTO KALACH 2007 ] LOCATION Mexico, DF Mexico Urban context PROGRAM 409,000 SF Integrates public library with a botanical garden CONCEPT “The design of the building was based on four considerations: (1) the planning of public funded buildings should always encourage the expansion of car-free open space and greenery (2) the site was a barren urban landscape (3) the buildings and gardens generate a new pole of urban ecological regeneration that expands over a densely populated area (4) the library is an attempt at reorganizing available human knowledge.� The building is integrated into the landscape in such a way it offers users opportunities for direct contact with nature as well as natural ventilation. The most eye catching feature of the building is the book stacks, which are hung from a steel core in the center of the building.

ANALYSIS By placing the books as a focal point in the building their presence is amplified and reiterates the importance of the book in Mexico. Also the circulation surrounding the stacks seems to weave in at as one would do when looking for a book. The rawness of the steel structure is captivating and is a nice contrast to the rest of the concrete building and wood accents.

book stacks 73

searchability

strollability

74

MUSASHINO ART UNIVERSITY MUSEUM & LIBRARY [ SOU FUJIMOTO 2010 ] LOCATION Tokoyo Campus library Surrounded by historic/older buildings PROGRAM 69,000 SF Rooms for 30,000 volumes CONCEPT Sou Fujimoto’s spiral library takes the most common element of the library, the book, and treasures it like a work of art. The entire facility is composed wooden bookshelves that have the capacity to hold the knowledge that is to come. Instead of down playing the written word he amplifies it which has lead the library to be known as the “library [that] champions booksan especially noble achievement at a time when the printed word is facing an uncertain future”. The plan of the library at first glance appears to be a spiral maze but strategic portals cut through the shelving created layered spaces and make corridors of direct access through the space. The cuts or portals also “alleviate the concentric geometry, framing views within views and creating a sense of depth in the space”.

ANALYSIS When designing a library for a future where the presence of books is debatable one can take two design approaches: de thrown the bound pages or place them on a pedestal. Fujimoto took the second approach and created a space that embraces the book. Even as technology will make its way into the facility books will always be present. By designing the walls out of book shelves it creates a place of imagination to sit and wonder if the shelves will one day be full or one day sit empty. For Houston’s library a decision must made on how to showcase the books that are currently present and if those books were to slowly vanish over time how will the empty space be utilized.

book shelves 75

76

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM [ FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT 1956 ] LOCATION New York, New York Across from Central Park PROGRAM Contemporary Arts Museum 6 stories tall CONCEPT Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned a museum that would contrast with the rigid Manhattan street grid. He set out to create “one great space on a continuous floor� and achieved this by designing a processional ramp in which visitors can experience the art as they climb toward the sky. The central atrium rises 92 feet and is capped with a glass dome. This central open core allows for the interaction of people on different levels and creates a majestic and monumental space. Over the years the slopping walls of the galleries created controversy, as it was not the easiest way to hang artwork, so eventually a more traditional gallery space was created adjacent to the spiraling museum.

ANALYSIS The Guggenheim is an icon of a building that rethought what it meant to experience art. The central spiral defines the interior as well as the exterior and creates a breathing taking space.

The public library could benefit from rethinking what it means to experience book and even what it means to experience public space. By using the spiral as a circulation element a seamless transition can be made throughout the space as well as joining of programmatic pieces.

vertical circulation

atrium space 77

78

OPEN AIR LIBRARY [ KARO 2009 ] LOCATION Magdeburg, Germany [East Germany] Post industrial landscape PROGRAM 5,200 SF Exterior space attached to district library Shelves for books Built in seating Reading café Stage CONCEPT This outdoor project started as a test to see if a library would do well in the post industrial town of Magdeburg. A full scale model was built of beer crates and left up for two day for people to inhabit the space. The public intervention was a success and five years later brought about the construction a more permanent structure. The pavilion-esque space is known as the “library of confidence” where books sit freely on open air shelves. There is no check out policy only an honor system so books come and go as they please. Instead of designated spaces for reading, socializing, and eating flex spaces were created so that any activity can happen at any time any where on the site. This open air library reflects the community that surrounds it from the re-used facade of an old warehouse to the donated books.

ANALYSIS The concept of an outdoor library is very intriguing because it strips away the formalities associated with the traditional indoor library. By allowing books outdoors the library is keeping it casual, thus creating even more of stage for social interaction. Outdoor space attached to the central library in Houston could be the factor that brings the icon from stagnant to interactive.

book shelves

site circulation

human scale 79

atrium

core

cube

structure

plinth

80

PEROT MUSEUM [ MORPHOSIS 2012 ] LOCATION Dallas, Texas Victory Park connecting the arts district over the major freeway PROGRAM 180,000 SF 4.7 acre site 14 stories high Museum of science and natural history offices auditorium exhibition space cafe education center CONCEPT The building begins as an extension of a park that takes users through two native Texas landscapes: a forest of canopy trees and a terrace of desert xeriscaping. The architectural landscapes melds into the building entry where users are transcended up a 54 ft continuous escalator. “Once at the top, a clockwise spiral path brings visitors back down past the display area. The interior of the building really begins at the top to capture the views of the city and create a unique museum experience.

ANALYSIS This building really pushes what it means to build in an urban area, by accommodating so much program on a single site. The seamless transition from earth to sky is achieved by pulling the landscape elements into the building and simplifying the vertical circulation. The irregular shape of the downward spiral also adds to the dynamic quality of the interior space.

Morphosis took key elements from other great building, such as the Pompidue’s exterior escalator and the Guggenheim’s spiral and combined them to create an instant icon for the city of Dallas. Houston could benefit from an strong icon in Downtown that plays up the pedestrian and pushes the meaning of public space.

architectural landscape

atrium

81

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STAVANGER CONCERT HALL [ BIG ] LOCATION Stavanger, Norway PROGRAM Concert hall with two different venues Performance hall Classical concert hall CONCEPT The concert hall was to be located on an empty lot connecting to the harbor and would put the building on display for the entire city to see. Instead of creating a massive building that would block the views to the sea a “topographical architecture [would be created] to intensify the relationship between the concert house and its surroundings. The building would consist of two boxes, the two concert halls, with a lobby space wedged between them and horseshoed by services. The “two volumes or theaters would melt together with natural topography” that would transform from urban steps the contemporary facade. A third stage would be created from the steps that used the harbor as the backdrop.

ANALYSIS The idea of using a single element to form cohesion between site and building is very appealing, especially with the library typology. User circulation is a large part of any public building and should be handled with care. The building also carefully address the issue of scale and how to address the human, street, and city by replicating a single element, the stair.

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International Federation of Library Association. IFLA Library Building Guidelines: Developments & Reflections. Munich: K.G. Saur, 2007. Print.

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Murdock, James. “Beauty and the Book: Libraries in the Digital Age Raise Questions About the Place of Books.” Architectural Record March 2011: 55-101. Print.

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PHOTOS archdaily.com.

Brendan Beery. “The Smell of Books�. Berryblog:Fighting a War on Ignorance. 27 Aug. 2011.

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Houston Metropolitian Research Center. inpursuitofknowledge.org. morecreativelife.com. pclaptopcomputers.blogspot.com. replayphotos.com. rice.edu. texasexplorer.com. travel.aol.com. uh.edu. wilmarphotography.com. wirednewyork.com.

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JENNIFERBRANHAM EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE

AWARDS

INVOLVEMENT

TECHNOLOGY

LEED Green Associate. 2010 University of Houston. Houston,TX Masters of Architecture. May 2012 Texas A&M University. College Station,TX Bachelor of Environmental Design. May 2010 Summa Cum Laude Study Abroad Italy. Fall 2008 JACOBS. Forth Worth, TX. Architectural Intern. SU 2010, SU 2011 Worked on concept designs, detail drawings, and construction documents for a variety of projects ranging from aviation, educational, civic, and government Camp ARCH. Counselor and Coordinator. SU 2008, 2009 Planned, organized, and participated in a week long summer camp that introduced high school students to the study of architecture TAMU College of Architecture. Student Worker. F 2007 to S 2010 Gave tours of the college to perspective students, interacted with current students daily, and performed secretarial duties Nominated for TAMU Outstanding Student Award. 2010 Nominated for Student Employee of the Year. 2010 Kiyoshi Murata Scholarship + Internship. Second Place. 2010 Houston Endowment Scholarship. Annual JACOBS Scholarship. 2009 Dept. of Architecture Scholarship. 2008, 2009 INTL Education Fee Scholarship. 2008 Portrait of Castiglion Fiorentino. Second Place. 2008 TAMU Portfolio Review. Honorable Mention. 2008 MSC ArtFest. Honorable Mention. 2007 Nominated for BED Archive Publication. 2006 American Institute of Architecture Students Member. S 2006 to S 2010 Mentorship Program. F 2007 to S 2008 Career Fair Committee. F 2007 to S 2008 Career Fair Coordinator. F 2008 to S 2010 AXIOM writer. F 2008 to S 2010 Freedom By Design Founding Member. S 2008 to F 2009 Team Captain. S 2009 Texas A&M Big Event Site Leader. S 2007 Participant. S 2008 Texas Society of Architects. Member. F 2007 to present Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. Member. S 2007 Tau Sigma Delta Architecture Honor Society. Member. S 2008 TSA Convention. Attendant (Student). F 2007, F 2009 AIAS Grassroots. Washington, DC. Freedom by Design (Team Captain). SU 2008 ACSA Steel Design Competition. Participant. S 2010, S 2011 Rice Design Alliance. Member. S 2011 Community Design Workshop. Participant. S 2011 CANstruction. Fundraising Committee. SU 2010, SU 2011 Adobe. Photoshop. InDesign. Illustrator Autodesk. Civil 3-D. Revit. AutoCAD. 3ds Max Microsoft Office. Word. Excel. PowerPoint Modeling. SketchUp. Kerkythea. Rhino Programming. Java. CSS

jennlee7@gmail.com 832.335.1931 7009 Almeda Rd #0322, Houston, TX 77054 87