[Publib] Rem Koolhaas (architect of new Seattle Main)

[James Casey]

"Form should follow function" --- at least that is the theory among
architects.  However, far too often, the Architects are allowed by
Directors and Boards to create a design and concept without the least
bit of input from the Librarians who serve the public (know about the
function).  A good architect will want to listen, learn and develop
plans based upon detailed, specific input from the library
practitioners.  I have seen many examples of "interesting designs" on
the covers of magazines and have experienced them first hand where the
patron, staff and maintenance concerns aren't even on the radar screen.


Part of the problem is that many of us in Library Administration don't
know where to begin when it comes to developing a Building Program that
can convey exactly what we want the new facility to achieve in terms of
service objectives and enhanced efficiency.  If you can't define the
overall goals of the project and be specific as to the functions that
will be undertaken in the spaces being created or remodeled, architects
can simply run loose and create buildings that are impractical.  

James B. Casey --- My own views
Director of Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member (running for re-election)



-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Joe Schallan
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2007 2:32 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Rem Koolhaas (architect of new Seattle Main)

If you think that the architect of a major American public
library might be concerned with the approachability,
comfort, usability, and ease of maintenance of his creation,
and with its role in advancing the mission of the library,
think again:

Sarah Williams Goldhagen, "Extra-Large,"  New Republic, Vol. 235, Issue
5, July 31, 2006, pp. 21-26. (Available in PDF via EBSCO Masterfile
Premier.)

The concerns of renowned architects, it seems, are
not even remotely close to our concerns.  And if this
author is correct, Koolhaas's concern is to make
users of his buildings uncomfortable.  I will leave
it to the Seattle librarians who may be on the list
to tell us if he has succeeded with that in their
city.

Joe Schallan
Phoenix

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