The Seattle Public Library

Seattle Design Commission
Minutes of the Meeting
4 May 2000

Convened: 9:00 a.m.
Adjourned: 4:15 p.m

(This is an excerpt from the full minutes and deals only with the Central Library portion of the meeting.)

 

 

Projects Reviewed
Central Library (see below)

Project discussions not included in this excerpt:
State Route 519 Surface Improvements
Urban Design Forum
Woodland Park Zoo

Commissioners Present Staff Present
Rick Sundberg
Ralph Cipriani
Gail Dubrow
Jeff Girvin
Nora Jaso
Jack Mackie
Peter Miller
Cary Moon 		John Rahaim
Layne Cubell
Brad Gassman
Kelly Walker

 

050400.1 Project: Central Library
Phase: Schematics
Previous Review: 28 October 1999 (Scope Briefing)
Presenters:
Alex Harris, Seattle Public Library
Deborah Jacobs, Seattle Public Library
Rem Koolhaas, Office for Metropolitan Architecture
Attendees:  See list following discussion.

Time: 1.75 hours (SDC Ref. # 169 | DC00116)

Action: The Commission appreciates the presentation and makes the following comments and recommendations.

  • The Design Commission thanks the team for coming and for addressing their previous concerns;
  • gives their approval of the schematic design and strongly feels that it is addressing — in distinctly modern yet subtle, real and sophisticated ways — the civic gesture desired for the building;
  • feels that the streetscape elements are developing nicely in an urban way;
  • at the next level of refinement, encourages the team to articulate the design vocabulary employed in an effort to fine tune the interior spaces for users and staff: reading rooms; administrative spaces; human needs; and how the spaces will perform;
  • continues its support for the unique copper mesh sheathing system and the concern shown for incorporating sustainable technology into the building design;
  • looks forward to an update on the arts program, but recognizes and respects that this component falls under the purview of the Seattle Arts Commission in collaboration with the Library Board;
  • encourages the team to develop the signage as a broad-based system that will speak to the many heritages and cultures of Seattle; and
  • offers their support to the team as they work through issues related to the Land Use Code since the unique design of the building may require special treatment.
The lead architect for the Central Library presented the design team's current schematic design concept. One of the goals of the design will be to provide a landmark building that will appear different from every angle. The building will be surrounded by an eclectic "library of trees" that will reflect the region. Glazing on the Spring Street side of the structure will provide views into the auditorium from the street and a "transparent" staircase of metal grating will also be located on this façade. The existing fountain will be located in the center of the Fourth Avenue entry.

The skin of the building will be pulled away from the structural members on Fifth Avenue, providing an interstitial indoor | outdoor vestibule between the living room and the street; "green strings" and rolling planters will help define the in-between space. The living room will be a dynamic space with a "technical floor" of revolving, computer generated imagery, that will be controlled by the library staff.

The building skin will play an integral role in the structural integrity of the building. The structure will be comprised, in part, of a system of I-Beams, tubular steel elements and concrete. The curtain wall will be a regular grid with a layer of metal between the glass that will work to reduce solar gain. The climate in Seattle will play an active role in modifying the way the skin of the building is perceived; depending on the angle of the sun, the building will appear solid or transparent. Additionally, the urban billboard on the "Mixing Chamber" platform will be visible on the building skin.

The reading room will be dedicated to reading and will provide views of the Seattle skyline. A "spiral" of books will be arranged in a continuous organizational system. One wall in this room will hold views of the Seattle skyline while the opposite wall will be finished in blue velvet.

Key Commissioner Comments and Concerns

  • Feels that the changes that have been made on the Fourth Avenue side of the building work wonderfully. Would like to know how the Madison Street façade will be treated.
  • Proponent stated that the facade will be transparent until it meets the ground.
  • Would like to hear more about the materials and layout of the interior spaces and how the indoor climate will be controlled in this primarily glass building.
  • Proponent stated that large public areas will be open while the reading rooms will be more intimate. Regarding climate, the intention is to exploit the environmental conditions in order to de-escalate the need to control them. The environment in one space will work to compliment and perhaps oppose the climate in another, thereby creating a system of complimentary conditions. The team is successfully working towards meeting a silver standard of environmental excellence.
  • Would like to know how the environment in the auditorium will be controlled, considering the extensive glazing.
  • Proponent stated that the team is reviewing new glazing technology that can be made solid with the flip of a switch. The Seattle Public Libraries' chief librarian noted that when the architect selection committee reviewed works in Europe, that Rem Koolhaas' auditoriums were some of the best rooms they viewed and experienced.
  • Is thrilled with the entry sequence on Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Would like to know how the team intends to engage adjacent plazas as they had mentioned at the previous Commission presentation.
  • Proponent stated that the "green strings" and other vegetative components at the Fifth Avenue living room will pick up on the green space in front of the courthouse across the street. The Fourth Avenue assembly area will pick up on the public plaza across the street.
  • Would like to know if the library has a landscape maintenance plan.
  • Proponents stated that the Central Library currently has a gardener who will continue to work on the new library.
  • Encourages the team to use the "technical floor" to reflect the heritage and multiple cultures of the region.
  • Would like to know how a range of art pieces will work in this highly integrated design and if there will be "under-designed" areas that will leave room for artistic expression.
  • Proponents stated that they were reluctant to answer this question prior to the interviews with potential art planners that would be held on the following day. Also stated that their goal is for a highly integrative process between the design team and the art planner and artists. The team would like to bring an art planner and artists on board who are willing to work with and against the design team — true team players. Also feels that if the definition of an artist is extended, that each space in the library holds a level of latency for future expression. The arts planners being considered are Jorge Pardo, Nancy Spector, Doho So, Carolyn Law and Mae Son.
  • Would like to know if the required sustainability standards have been helpful.
  • Proponent stated that the requirements are more stringent in Seattle than in Europe and that although they have been helpful, they are not accustomed to working with blanket requirements.
  • Would like to know the library's position on naming the library.
  • Proponents stated that the library board determined some time ago that the name of the facility will be the "Seattle Public Library" rather than reflecting the name of a donor. Also noted that the majority of donors are not interested in naming rights but that there is a possibility for naming particular rooms.
  • Would like to know how the building signage will be graphically rendered.
  • Proponents stated that they are in the process of determining the best route.
  • Would like to know what is planned for the roof area.
  • Proponents stated that the current design calls for a lawn adjacent to the administrative offices. However, a roof garden was not provided for in the original budget and since the current design is very close to meeting the budget, the team wants to insure that all of the programs are provided for before they move forward with a roof garden.
  • Would like to know how the project is working within City of Seattle standards.
  • Proponents stated that they have been working closely with land use staff at the Department of Design Construction and Land Use (DCLU) to achieve the City's standards, understanding that the Land Use Code is based on a standard vertical building.

 

Attendees:
Lucia Athens, City of Seattle Green Building Team
Marilyn Brockman, Bassetti/Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects
Jim Brown, LMN Architects

Michele D'Alessandro, Seattle Public Library
Michael Dorcy, Department of Design Construction and Land Use
John Eskelin, Department of Neighborhoods
Anne Friedlander, City Budget Office
Marilynne Gardner, City Budget Office
Barbara Goldstein, Seattle Arts Commission
Barb Gregory, The Seneca Real Estate Group
Jennifer Guthrie, Gustafson Partners Ltd.
Mark Hinshaw, LMN Architects
Bjarne Ingels, Office of Metropolitan Architecture
Jill Jean, Seattle Public Library
Leslie Koch
Rick Krochalis, Department of Design Construction and Land Use
Carolyn Law, Artist
Vince Lyons, Department of Design Construction and Land Use
Yazmin Mehdi, Seattle Public Library
Sarah Meyer, Microsoft Community Affairs
Colleen Miller, Gordon Walker Architecture
Sheri Olson, Architectural Record
Sue Partridge, Seattle Public Library
Sherry Prowda
Jun Quan, Executive Services Department, Facilities
Lisa Raflo, CityDesign
Lisa Richmond, Seattle Arts Commission
Bruce D. Rips, Department of Design Construction and Land Use
Lisa Rutzick, Madrona, Department of Design Construction and Land Use
Natasha Sandmeier, Office of Metropolitan Architecture
Linda Saunto, Seattle Public Library
Dennis Sellir
Barbara Swift, Swift & Company
Steve Trainer, The Seneca Real Estate Group
Robert Zimmer, LMN

 

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Content Modified:5 December 2000

12/30/2005

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