[Publib] Architecture AL Issue

[Elizabeth Thorson]

I believe our new library is both attractive and functional. And when
the photographers were here taking pictures for the architects, they
asked people to be in the pictures, moving slightly so that the person's
features were blurred. Worked pretty well - the people aren't
distracting in the pictures, but they give you a sense of scale.
Elizabeth
 
 
Elizabeth Cuckow Thorson
Manager, Reference & Technical Services
Laramie County Library
2200 Pioneer Ave., Cheyenne WY 82001
307-773-7230

>>> "Michael Golrick" <mgolrick at SLOL.LIB.LA.US> 5/8/2009 9:42 AM >>>

But, you *can* have attractive spaces that are workable! I have seen
many. I hope to visit the Darien Library which I expect to be both.
 
Sue Kamm makes a great point about the architect spending time in a
building before planning a renovation or new facility. In addition to
the atrocity (loved by architects) in Seattle, I remember hearing that
in the “new” Phoenix (AZ) main library, they had to go and add barriers
to keep people from falling into the “pool” in the lobby. For those who
were at PLA in Minneapolis, if you saw that building, I will admit that
the first time I was there, I was on an upper floor in a meeting room,
but could not figure out how to get into the library part! (You can only
enter at the main level.) At least that atrium is glassed off from the
library to avoid the kinds of problems which Sue noted in her facility.
 
I have been trying to think of new (not renovated or re-purposed)
facilities I have visited which are both attractive and functional, most
of them are smaller libraries in Connecticut – like the Jonathan
Trumbull Library in Lebanon. I would even point to the North Branch of
the Bridgeport (CT) Public Library. [Disclaimer – I was not there when
it was designed and built, but lived in the community and eventually was
the director there.]
 
And I respectfully disagree about people in library photos, but that is
also a matter of taste.
 

Michael A. Golrick
 
michael.golrick at gmail.com
ALACouncilor-at-Large


From:publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Steve Benson
Sent: Friday, May 08, 2009 10:19 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org 
Subject: Re: [Publib] Architecture AL Issue

 


I'm all for practicality but hate to encourage libraries to be bogged
down with boring, boxy buildings.  Do we really want our buildings to
mimic the librarian stereotype of the lady with a bun, practical dress
and shoes?  Beauty in buildings may add impracticality but it can also
add inspiration to all who pass by or enter.  Isn't inspiration
something that we aspire to?

 

No people in the photographs presenting new buildings? What's the fuss?
 Anyone who has sold a home knows that you clean and arrange your home
in a fashion that's nothing like how you normally keep it.  You're
selling a house and preparing a salable image rather than presenting
YOUR normal life to potential buyers.  Same with the building shots. 
The photographers are capturing the building and disorder, people and
things, only draw your attention away from the true subject of the
photograph.
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