The Seattle Public Library

Seattle Design Commission
Minutes of the Meeting
21 September 2000

Convened: 8:30 a.m.
Adjourned: 5:15 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:
Seattle Center Master Plan Revisions
Seattle Center Theater District Plan
Greenwood Library
Pacific Northwest Aquarium and Master Plan Addendum
City Hall/ Open Space

Commissioners Present Staff Present
Rick Sundberg
Moe Batra
Gail Dubrow
Jeff Girvin
Jack Mackie
Peter Miller
Cary Moon 		John Rahaim
Layne Cubell
Brad Gassman
Sally MacGregor

 

21 Sept 2000 Project: Central Library
Phase: Mid Design Development
Previous Review:4 May 2000 (Schematic), 28 October 1999 (Scope Briefing)
Presenters:
Deborah Jacobs, City Librarian
Joshua Ramus, Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA)
Attendees:  See list following discussion.

Time: 1.5 hours (SDC Ref. # 169 | DC00116)

Action: The Design Commission greatly appreciates the design improvement, which is visible in each presentation to the Commission, and would like to make some recommendations as the proponents continue with the design development:

  • The Commission is encouraged by the analytic rigor with which the design team has developed the project, especially in the case of the book spiral and ramps, and feels that this element of the project will be duly resolved;
  • would like the design team to use the same degree of analytic rigor in the development of the exterior of the building, in relation to the way the landscape design is developed through the sidewalk topography and street trees;
  • strongly supports the Land Use Code waivers requested by the proponent including waivers for the Fourth Avenue street façade and setback requirements, Fifth Avenue street façade and setback requirements, and the upper level coverage development standards as required for the Downtown Office Core;
  • encourages the design team to maintain the legibility of the building functions, as expressed through the massing;
  • encourages careful attention, as the project develops, to analyze and demonstrate the intimacy of the interior spaces as appropriate at various scales;
  • hopes that the design team incorporate weather protection for the various exterior spaces, especially at the entrance and overhang on Fourth Avenue; and
  • at future presentations, would like to see how the structural elements and finish materials are joined at the Fifth Avenue facade where the structure meets the sidewalk, to create an "enclosed" exterior space, and as the design team develops these details, would like to see the dynamic forces of the building expressed.
The design team presented the current design of the Central Library, twenty-five percent through design development, which includes design conditions that require waivers from Seattle Land Use Code. Throughout design development, the design team has worked with the Seattle Public Library staff and the public, seeking input on such functional details as the book spiral ramp, by which a mock-up was constructed for all to test and critique. Many of the recent design changes, in relation to two waiver requests, address the way in which the street façade meets the sidewalk. The Land Use Code requires a minimum façade height of thirty-five feet and also requires certain setback limits. The design team has proposed common spaces on the exterior of the building to introduce light and air and overhead weather protection, and these public benefit features of the Fourth and Fifth Avenue façades require waivers. At Fourth Avenue, the design team has proposed an "open space similar to a street accessible rooftop garden or urban plaza by extending the sidewalk over a portion of the building below grade." The Fourth Avenue side of the building will be the primary entrance court, and "will have a principal space of more than 1500 square feet and will have views to and from the street." The design team has proposed this generous open space as a public amenity, complementing the urban plaza across the street; this plaza is located to take advantage of solar access and to recognize the significance of the Metro bus stops along Fourth Avenue. The design team has also proposed a public open space along the Fifth Avenue façade, which will be within the perimeter of the building exterior, enclosed by a "trellis" of the library structure, which will continue to the sidewalk from within the building. This "street accessible rooftop garden is proposed within six feet above the sidewalk, and will have a principal space of at least 1500 square feet flush with the sidewalk, and a minimum dimension of thirty feet, which is in excess of the minimum dimension of fifteen feet, as required by Director's Rule 20-93." This proposed public amenity "will allow views to and from Fifth Avenue, and will provide an exterior, partially covered terrace." The third waiver is in response to requirements of coverage limits and maximum façade lengths. The design of the building is driven by the creation of platforms, based on the functions taking place on the platforms. The uppermost platform, within the allowable area limits, is "connected corner to corner to the next platform below by sloped structure and glazing. If the sloped glazing is considered a portion of the structure and any portion of the structure applies to the coverage area, then it follows that the coverage area is over the twenty percent limit."

Further design changes have been made to the Central Library design, in addition to those requiring waivers. The façade along Fourth Avenue has developed to create an intimate public space to encourage use by library patrons as well as non-library pedestrians. The interior subtle topographical changes of the interior extend to the library's exterior to create the floor of this plaza. There will be street trees along the four facades, and the type of tree will vary, so that the four elevations will be in bloom at different times of the year. These trees will also provide a visual barrier to the children's area, while continuing to allow visibility and light. At the children's area, along Spring Street, other plants will be planted into the surface, allowing the roots to be visible, and there will also be glass block, allowing light inside. The design team has also proposed vendor stalls along the hillside terrace, under the canopy of the building. There will also be stairs, following this terrace, on the inside of the building. The seismic supports have been introduced at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Spring Street, and include three columns, meeting the ground in a tripod configuration, which are architecturally mirrored in the structure on the diagonal corner. Along Fifth Avenue, the design team has proposed a semi-exterior, semi-interior protected public space as an overflow space for the café; this façade will offer an overhang, weather protection, along the façade. As the structure of the building extends outside to enclose this space, the design team has expressed intent to potentially incorporate the work of artists to warp these struts with landscaping, to soften the presence of the harsh structure. The Madison Street façade contains the necessary library loading dock, and the design team is considering several design options to treat this area. These options include the incorporation of transparency, to reveal the functions of the loading dock, or not allowing visibility, but allowing this wall as an opportunity for the arts planner to display work; the third option would be to use this façade as a form of display for the library.

The design of the interior of the library has changed as well. The proposed book spiral will organize the books through a continual adherence to Dewey decimal system. Through this organization, the library will be able to double the current volume of books, without interrupting the sequential numbers of the system. This feature will also allow all groups to access the main selections, without the use of a grand, central staircase, as is the case in most major libraries. The design team presented a mock-up of this system to the public, in order to test the different was to construct this concept. One choice offered a continuous slope (1:60) of the main aisle, while the terraced option incorporates one foot sections of 1:12 slope linked by a five feet landing of a 1:50 slope. The one foot portion would be in line with the end of the book case. Both options will ensure that at least ninety percent of the floor remains flat.

Key Commissioner Comments and Concerns

  • Would like to know if the design team has discussed the bus stop areas with Metro and/or Seattle Transportation (SeaTran).
  • Proponents stated that the design team has spoken with Metro and SeaTran about the design changes affecting the sidewalk. Currently there are four bus stops, one at each side of the block. Metro has suggested that, during and after the tunnel construction, there will not be stops along Fourth Avenue. Further stated that the library can accommodate bus stops all four sides of the streets, and the team has considered different types of shelters that might be possible, and different parts of the building could be bus shelters.
  • Appreciates the "library of trees" concept, and would like to be sure that the trees can become incorporated along the sidewalk, working with the bus tops to become part of the streetscape anchoring landscape.
  • Is intrigued by the book spiral concept; encourages the proponents to bring this expression to the exterior landscape of the building.
  • Recognizing the main structure of the building, would like to know the earthquake level this building can withstand.
  • Proponents stated that the building is designed to meet the requirements for Zone 4, the seismic classification of Seattle, and the building will remain intact and maintain life safety as required. Further stated that the columns will carry the gravity loads of the building, while the exterior structure will carry the lateral loads.
  • Is concerned that the street vendors along Spring Street could block the view of motorists exiting the parking garage.
  • Proponents stated that the design will follow sight line and dimensional requirements, and the design would not restrict visibility beyond what is currently allowed by code.
  • Appreciates the legibility of functions expressed through the organization and the massing of the library, but remains concerned about the intimacy level and quality of the interior spaces. Would like the design to incorporate a series of diminishing scales in relation to the flow and circulation through the building and would like the design to feature vast open spaces where appropriate.
  • Examining the third request for a waiver and the presentation of worst case scenarios for encompassing the maximum envelope, would like to know if the design team has investigated ways to conform to code and minimize the shadow, and would like to know how this would impact the intended internal organization.
  • Proponents stated that the team did examine opportunities to make the design compliant, and this affected the programmatic layout and the legibility of function, which is the primary design concept. To reduce the floor plate, the main administration space would not remain intact. The relocation of the staff lounge would not be a significant, sufficient change.
  • Would like to know the extent of the weather conditions that the Fourth Avenue overhang would affect.
  • Would like to hear more about the union of the two striking surfaces of materials, and if this transition between materials would be abrupt or smooth. Feels that the team should not address the landscape solution until the architectural attitude has been addressed.
  • Proponents recognized the need for a distinct, legible detail for this transition, and stated that this difficult detail has not yet been resolved. Further stated that the conceptual design includes wrapping the building, and would like this break to remain distinct, but also as unarticulated as possible.
  • Would like the proponents to explain the anticipated problems with the slope of the book spiral.
  • Proponents stated that the team has researched many options for transitional materials, to finish the floor as it the continuous or terraced main aisle meets the book aisle, to avoid the creation of a distinct edge. Further stated that the library staff has investigated the operational implications of the slope, and the staff is open to using the slope to work to their advantage.
  • Recognizing the need to create a structural "tripod" at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Spring Street to transfer the loads to the foundation wall, would like to know if there is an opportunity to create the seismic forces more visible in an aesthetic way.
  • Encourages the Commission to approve the waiver requests, and feels that the proponents have made an excellent case, with provision of public benefits, to justify the exceptions.
  • Appreciates the detail at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Spring Street, and appreciates the way the design navigates the slope. Would like to reinforce the previous comment to bring the interior topography to the exterior of the building.
  • Applauds the temporal tree selection process for the varying facades, and hopes that the proponents recognize the need anticipate the appearance of animals, as the design team proposes to introduce landscaping on the building at the Fifth Avenue façade.
  • Believes that the investigation and research of the organizational implications of a library is invaluable, and hopes that this information is shared with other library architects.
  • Would like to know the library staff's opinion of the book spiral.
  • Proponents stated that the library staff appreciates the originality of the design, and the organizational improvements the spiral offers, and that the opinions of the public and the library staff have varied. Further stated that the idea works, and it is primarily a matter of personal preference.
  • Would like to reiterate the importance of the legibility of the primary entrance, and would like fully explored in the next presentation of the library.
  • Recognizes that the location of the auditorium has moved, no longer has a street presence, and would like to know, programmatically, why it has moved to the center of the building.
  • Proponents stated that the public accessibility to the auditorium remains. Further stated that the primary imagery is not the auditorium, but the children's area is protected and celebrated, and is a better focal point at this location.

 

Attendees:
Andra Addison, Seattle Public Library
Bill Alves, Seattle City Council
Dennis Anderson, Friends of Seattle Public Library, Board of Trustees
Kay Aoki, Seattle Public Library
Meghan Corwin, Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA)
Patrick Doherty, Department of Design Construction and Land Use (DCLU)
Ruth Gerberding
Barbara Goldstein, Seattle Arts Commission (SAC)
Barb Gregory, The Seneca Real Estate Group
Alex Harris, Seattle Public Library
Jess Harris, Department of Design Construction and Land Use (DCLU)
Bjarke Ingels, Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA)
Jill Jean, Seattle Public Library
Ed Kranick, Loschky Marquardt Nesholm (LMN)
Patricia Lein, Friends of Seattle Public Library
Sue Partridge, Seattle Public Library
John Pastier
Carol Patterson, Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA)
Cher Ravagni, Seattle Public Library
Linda Saunto, Seattle Public Library
Robert Scully, CityDesign
Richard Spaulding, Spaulding Studio
Val Thomas, Val Thomas, Inc.
Steve Trainer, The Seneca Real Estate Group
Mike Usen
Colin Walker
Kelly Walker
Beverly Welti
Douglas Winn, Hoffman Construction Company of Washington
Bob Zimmer, Loschky Marquardt Nesholm (LMN)

Last revised: 5 December 2000

 

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Content Modified:5 December 2000

12/30/2005

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