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Introduction
Visually, most people tend to associate libraries with images of dark, cramped, and uninspired structural spaces. Certainly at Johns Hopkins, the Milton S. Eisenhower Library fits this conceptualization. Like most libraries, it effectively serves its purpose as a public space for academic exploration and study. However, it is structurally boring and dull, with little natural light. Although much of this can be attributed to the fact that it is subterranean, its deficiencies are reflected in most public libraries throughout the world. Simply put, most libraries fail to function as efficient spaces, and hold little symbolic value as structures. By contrast, the Seattle Central Public Library is a model of energy efficiency, civic importance, and sustainability.

History
For many years, Seattle’s central library was typical of most downtown libraries; it was dark, uninviting, and a de facto homeless shelter. The construction of a new central library came as part of a citywide project to revamp public libraries approved by Seattle taxpayers in 1998. At a cost of 165.5 million dollars, the library was financed through a combination of taxpayer and private funds. From the moment funding was approved, architects envisioned a library of the future. They sought to create a space that would be both practically efficient and symbolically resonant with the city. What resulted was a radically new approach to library construction. A veritable piece of glass artwork, the library cuts a striking image in the midst of its traditional downtown surroundings.

Scientific Innovation
Technologically, the library is an exemplar of energy efficiency. Its glass and steel exterior allows natural light to flood the interior. Consequently, the need for extensive electrical lighting is reduced. In terms of building materials, the library is essentially a combination of concrete, steel, and glass. The outer skin of the library was designed to give the building resistance to earthquakes by using a steel truss diamond pattern to bind the glass. In all, 4,644 tons of steel was used; roughly enough steel to make the Statue of Liberty twenty times over. The glass is triple-paned, with metal mesh in between two layers to help reduce heat and glare. If one took the amount of glass used in the library, it could stretch over five and a half football fields.

Social Symbolism
Since it opened in May 2004, the library has proven itself as socially important to the future of Seattle in numerous ways. Its intriguing design and eye-catching features attract people to explore its offerings. Whether in terms of tourists or locals, the library is not simply a place that people venture to out of need, but out of genuine interest. Moreover, its innovative design maximizes the utility of a relatively small site, allowing it serve a wide range of public interests. With spaces including a children’s wing, an expansive auditorium, meeting rooms, and study lounges, the library successfully serves the full gamut of public needs. In these ways, the Seattle Central Library has had the positive effect of reviving and sustaining interest in reading and intellectual exploration.

Civic Significance
Though it is still a relatively new building, the Central Library has quickly come to symbolize Seattle’s literary culture. The impressive structure is a testament to how much reading and the continued pursuit of knowledge is an important part of local tradition. Moreover, it is emblematic of the fact that public spaces can and should be beautiful. In constructing a public space so unique and extraordinary, the architects of Seattle’s Central Library have challenged the notion that public spaces merely serve a function. Indeed, public spaces such as libraries have the ability to not only serve a practical purpose, but also impart inspiration to its beneficiaries.

Sources:

1. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2004/0425/cover.html 2. http://www.spl.org/locations/central-library/cen-building-facts/cen-construction-facts-and-timeline 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Central_Library 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Public_Library Picture: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/news/local/library/photogalleries/spl1.html