CENTRAL LIBRARY
Photo by Pragnesh Parikh, OMA/LMN
AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUILDING
Building signage, an information kiosk, Web site information and tours for adults, teens and children are some of the ways the public can learn more about the library’s environmentally friendly features. Architectural tours also are offered in collaboration with the Seattle Architectural Foundation.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN WITH LEED
The Central Library is a LEED™ registered project. LEED™ stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is the green building rating system of the U.S. Green Building Council, of which the city and LMN Architects are members. LEED™ awards four levels of performance: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The City’s Sustainable Building Policy directs all new and
major remodel projects of over 5,000 square feet to strive to meet the Silver level. There are more than 16 City of Seattle projects working with LEED™, including McCaw Performance Hall and Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, City Hall and the Justice Center. LEED™ awards points for energy and water efficiency, site design, material selection and indoor environmental quality. For more information, see www.usgbc.org.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
The library’s workers and users measure the building’s “social sustainability” in terms of comfort, indoor air quality, sound, social equity and other factors. Several building elements encourage social sustainability for staff, visitors and the community.
PUBLIC SPACE FOR ALL The new building with The Norcliffe Foundation Living Room, Betty Jane Narver Reading Room and Faye G. Allen Children’s Center–seven times the size of the previous children’s area–offers much more space for social interaction than the previous building. The architects carefully designed these spaces for use for public gathering for many years to come. Expansion of library collections often eventually encroach on public spaces, but the new design works to prevent this through clear separation of public spaces and spaces for other library functions. And with various views of surrounding skyscrapers and other buildings, as well as Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, visitors can feel connected to the city and the outdoors through the library’s glass exterior.
T h e S e a t t le P u b l i c L i b r a r y C E N T RA L L I B R A RY
The new Central Library incorporates environmentally friendly design elements important to the people of Seattle. (In an April 2000 poll, Northwest residents said the land and environment are what they most enjoy about the Northwest. And 60 percent of those polled said they would not move if they or their spouses were offered better-paying jobs outside the Northwest.) The new Central Library connects people to the outdoors with an abundance of natural light and views of the water, mountains and surrounding city. Energy and water are conserved throughout the building, recycled materials were used to build it and other features have been incorporated to lessen its environmental impact on the city.
LOCATION: 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104 FLOOR SPACE: 362,987 square feet PARKING: 49,000 square feet, underground NUMBER OF LEVELS: 11 BUDGET: $165.5 million BUILDING POPULATION: 328 staff, 8,000+ visitors per day OPENING DATE: May 23, 2004 OWNER: The Seattle Public Library PROJECT MANAGER: Alexandra Harris ARCHITECT: Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) in the Netherlands and LMN Architects in Seattle MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEER: Arup STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) with Arup ACOUSTICAL ENGINEER: Michael Yantis Associates LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Inside/Outside with Jones & Jones CIVIL ENGINEER: MKA GRAPHICS: Bruce Mau Design GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Hoffman Construction Company STEEL CONSTRUCTION: The Erection Company (TEC) CURTAIN WALL CONSTRUCTION: Seele BUILDING CONTROLS: Siemens Building Technology
CITY OF SEATTLE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PROGRAM
P RO JE CT D ATA
CITY OF SEATTLE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PROGRAM T h e S e a t t l e P u b l i c L i b r a r y C E N T R AL L I B R ARY
BARRIER-FREE DESIGN AND FLEXIBILE USE One of the most innovative features of the library is the unique architectural organization of the nonfiction collection. Instead of separating the collection in different locations, books and materials are laid out in a continuous spiral on Levels 6 through 9. Books and materials can be added on any level without breaking up the collection. The gently sloped ramps of the Books Spiral are accessible to all. The library design team worked with hundreds of residents, including those with various disabilities, to get their input on the design.
WAY FINDING AND USABILITY Various features help patrons find their way through the building. Large signs direct them to needed services. Important elements are colorcoded, like the escalators and elevators that can be quickly located by their chartreuse color. Computer areas are easily identifiable by their aluminum flooring. Breaking up areas into zones, and the atrium that connects nine levels, help orient the visitor.
HIGH PERFORMANCE GLAZING SYSTEM The library has a glass and aluminum exterior. About half of the exterior glass is a triple-glazed system with an expanded aluminum metal mesh sandwiched between the two outer panes of glass. This mesh serves as a shading device, reduces heat buildup and softens the light coming in. The cavity between the two inner layers of glass contains Krypton gas, which further increases insulation. Finally, the outer layer of glass has what is known as a low-e (low emissivity) coating, which filters non-visible light energy. The total shading effect of the glass is better than most tinted glass buildings, without the undesirable darkening. The architects invented this state-ofthe-art system and it underwent extensive research and development before its use was approved. The remaining glass on the building is double-glazed clear glass.
ACOUSTICS An acoustic engineer helped design areas to lessen the noise in high-traffic areas. For example, the ceiling of the Charles Simonyi Mixing Chamber on Level 5 is actually the bottom of the Books Spiral on Level 6. Fireproofing on the Mixing Chamber ceiling helps absorb sound, as do the “pillows” on parts of the ceiling of the Betty Jane Narver Reading Room on Level 10.
SUSTAINABLE ARTS PROGRAM Seattle’s Public Art Program can be thought of as an aspect of social sustainability. Artworks commissioned through the Seattle Public Art Program are accessible to all who use the library. The main artworks are integrated into the building in fun and innovative ways. Tony Oursler’s video “egg” projections are set in a wall of the escalator that connects Levels 3 and 5. Ann Hamilton’s artwork containing 11 different languages is the floor of the 7,200-square-foot Literacy, ESL and World Languages (LEW) section of the library near the Fourth Avenue entrance. Gary Hill’s video loop film of human-designed objects is projected onto the atrium wall and can be viewed from many levels of the building.
I N NOVAT I O N S I N E N E R GY E F F I C I E N CY
Seattle’s energy code is considered highly efficient by national standards. The library is expected to exceed this code by 10 percent. The expected energy savings would power at least 125 homes. Energy conservation is accomplished through a number of different features.
Photo by Pragnesh Parikh, OMA/LMN
LIGHTING Electrical lighting throughout the building was selected for color rendition, low cost and easy maintenance. For example, the light bulbs in the Faye G. Allen Children’s Center, above, are expected to last 10 years. Light and motion sensors are used to further increase efficiency. The building’s glass exterior lets in plenty of natural daylight, which decreases the need for artificial light. In effect, the building becomes a “light-catcher.” In the Betty Jane Narver Reading Room, on Level 10, a north-facing skylight brings in natural light. Even Level 2, where book processing occurs, has daylight, a feature not included in most library book processing areas. Studies of Seattle schools show that students learn better and have higher test scores than students in spaces lacking good levels of daylight.
VENTILATION The library uses a unique type of air distribution system, called displacement ventilation, on Levels 1, 3, 5 and 10. This ventilation comes from the floor and is opposite traditional systems where fresh air is blown down from above, against the flow of rising warm air. Displacement systems are
The library also features a raised access floor in the Charles Simonyi Mixing Chamber on Level 5. Repairs or changes to the power and communications systems are easier, because the systems can be accessed from under the floor. The modular nature of the raised floor system allows easier relocation and reconfiguration of interior spaces than conventional systems, which reduces long-term costs.
HIGH EFFICIENCY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT Computer-aided air movement controls are designed to increase energy efficiency. High efficiency electric chillers and pump motors are combined with variable frequency drive fans and pumps. Leftover heat from the heat exchangers is used to preheat hot water for indoor use. Heating and cooling of interior spaces can take place in independent zones, enabling use to determine heating and cooling needs. The City of Seattle offers many energy and water incentives for improving efficiency. The library team utilized Seattle City Light energy conservation incentives that will help the project save over 1.2 million kilowatt-hours per year. See www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/ or www.seattle.gov/util/directory/conservation_index.
WATER EFFICIENCY
RAINWATER COLLECTION Rainwater is collected, stored in a 40,000-gallon tank and used for landscape irrigation. The system not only saves water, but also helps prevent combined sewer overflows, which negatively impacts water quality in Puget Sound. The system is expected to save about 75,000 gallons of water per year.
WATERLESS URINALS An innovative new technology eliminates the need for water in urinals. These waterless or no-flush urinals use a trap to block odors and each can save up to 45,000 gallons of water per year. The 16 urinals in the building are expected to save 720,000 gallons of water per year, enough to serve the indoor water needs of more than 13 homes. Seattle Public Utilities offers financial incentives, such as rebates, for using waterless urinals. Learn more at www.savingwater.org/incentives.htm.
The library uses automatic shut-off faucets to save even more water. Meters that monitor irrigation water help detect leaks. A drift eliminator system that recaptures fine mist in the cooling process is also a feature of the cooling towers to increase water efficiency.
SUSTAINABLE SITE DESIGN
LIGHT POLLUTION REDUCTION Light pollution—which results from poorly designed outdoor lighting where light impacts adjacent property or the sky—can hinder enjoyment of the night sky and affect migrating birds. The library’s exterior lighting is shielded to help prevent light pollution. DROUGHT-TOLERANT LANDSCAPING Landscape plants were chosen for low water use and low maintenance. In addition, by watering plants from the rainwater collection system, zero potable (drinking) water is used for landscaping.
HEAT ISLAND REDUCTION The temperatures in urban areas tend to be several degrees warmer than adjacent rural areas. This is known as the Urban Heat Island Effect and it can increase energy and water use during warmer months. Providing shade to exterior spaces and a light colored Energy Star® roof that reflects heat and light lessens this effect.
REDUCING AIR POLLUTION
Motor vehicles are the primary source of air pollution in our region. Smart transportation solutions, such as reducing the number of city employees who drive alone to work and reducing the city fleet’s use of fossil fuels, improves environmental quality. Library features that lower air pollution include: • Bicycle storage and showers with lockers encourage staff to bike to work. • Nearby access to public transit, on Fourth and Fifth avenues and the University Station bus tunnel, encourages staff and patrons to leave their cars at home. • Two electric vehicle charging stations and parking for the library’s CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and hybrid fleet vehicles is provided in the library’s underground parking garage. Underground parking minimizes pollution-laden runoff.
S U STA I N A B L E M ATE R I A LS OZONE PROTECTION
Some refrigerants used in mechanical cooling systems contribute to ozone depletion. CFC materials have already been phased out of use; HCFC-based refrigerants are being phased out. The library’s refrigerants contain no HCFCs and the fire suppression system uses no halons, another ozonedepleting class of chemicals.
T h e S e a t t le P u b l i c L i b r a r y C E N T RA L L I B R A RY
CONSERVATION INCENTIVES AND GRANTS
WATER CONTROLS
CITY OF SEATTLE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PROGRAM
more energy efficient. Because air can be delivered at higher temperatures (65 degrees versus 55 degrees) when cooling is needed, and with Seattle’s temperate climate, a displacement ventilation system gives the advantage of “free cooling.” This happens when the temperature of cooled air is not much different from the outside air. This delivery system also provides more fresh air at a person’s working height, as only about the bottom eight to 10 feet of airspace is being cooled or heated.
CITY OF SEATTLE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PROGRAM
RECYCLING CONSTRUCTION WASTE
RAPIDLY RENEWABLE, NATURAL MATERIALS
Building construction contributes to 40 percent of the materials destined for municipal landfills worldwide. More than 80 percent of the waste generated in building the library was recycled, keeping it out of the landfill. More than 95 percent of the demolition waste from the old library was recycled.
Rapidly renewable materials, such as bamboo or wool, regenerate quickly in nature. The Faye G. Allen Children’s Center has bamboo flooring, walls and desk surfaces. Staff headquarters on Level 11 also has a bamboo floor.
RECYCLED-CONTENT MATERIALS
Materials and systems with elements that serve more than one purpose are integral to the library’s efficiency. The diamond grid structural steel of the exterior serves as a backup for the glass exterior and is the interior finish for the walls. In the core of the building, the structural concrete also serves as a finish. Some spaces have lighting shielded with polycarbonate panels that diffuse the light, finish the ceiling and act as a return air plenum.
New products made with construction waste and curbside recycling items are examples of recycledcontent materials. Using such materials helps lessen landfill waste and reduces the environmental impact of extracting, harvesting and manufacturing new materials. Examples of recycled-content materials at the library include: • Concrete rubble used as fill before construction • Wood flooring, called Worthwood, made in Oregon from scrap wood • Structural steel: 90 percent recycled scrap • Steel rebar: 97.5 percent recycled scrap • Exterior aluminum: 30 percent recycled content • Steel doors and frames: 48 percent recycled materials • Sheet aluminum flooring: 20 percent recycled materials • Gypsum wall board: 10 percent recycled materials • Library shelving: 80-90 percent recycled materials.
T h e S e a t t l e P u b l i c L i b r a r y C E N T R AL L I B R ARY
EVERYDAY RECYCLING Recycling bins inside the building and on the loading dock encourage library workers to recycle paper generated in office practices and from turnover in library materials such as newspapers.
LOCAL AND REGIONAL MATERIALS Materials purchased locally or regionally support a healthy economy and reduce transportation impacts. At least 20 percent of the building products were manufactured within 500 miles of Seattle, including: • Steel rebar • Concrete • Cabinetry/casework
• Miscellaneous metals • Gypsum wall board.
EFFICIENT USE OF MATERIALS ELIMINATES WASTE
Fireproofing on interior structural steel serves as the finish and a sound absorber. Minimizing the use of finish materials reduces the amount of materials used, maintenance needs and costs. And using the foundation walls from the previous library in the new construction reduced the amount of new concrete needed and reduced demolition waste.
H E A LTH Y I N DO O R E N V IRO N M EN T S
Quality indoor environments promote health and make people feel good through access to daylight and views, comfort and good indoor air quality. Healthy material/strategies that contribute to good indoor air quality: • Most adhesives and carpets are low toxic • Monitors protect air quality by measuring carbon dioxide • Indoor air quality management plan during construction managed air filtration and provided for proper materials storage • A two-week, 100 percent outside air “flush” before occupant move-in removed residual chemicals/particles left from construction. For more information on the City of Seattle Sustainable Building program, see www.seattle.gov/sustainablebuilding
The Norcliffe Foundation Living Room on Level 3 Photo by Pragnesh Parikh, OMA/LMN