Raulcabrera


 * Describe the vertical and horizontal circulation of the ** [|//Salt Lake City Library//]  ** and its surroundings. **


 * The project was created in 1999 by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects, a New York firm, and **  the building, was opened in February 2003,   **founded on the Salt Lake City in Utah, E.E.U.U. **

W ith 240,000 square feet for more than 500,000 books and other materials, and room to grow the collection, the library, is more than just a building for reading, is actually an ionic public structure for the city. The public square is embrace by the six-story curve wall which have a complete service like shops and services at ground level, reading galleries above, and an auditorium. In the outside, the horizontal circulation involves the construction, privatizing the area from the urban chaotic exterior and allowing the library to keep the appropriate atmosphere. It also gives to the building the necessary distance to be seen and to circulate air and illuminate the area. There’s a large semicircular walkway that ascends the visitors to the top of the building, distributes them to each of the floors.



The big glass lens at the facade of the building looks out onto the plaza with stunning views of the city. Another of the beautiful qualities is the roof-top garden, accessible by walking, which offers a 360 degree view.

The building is constituted by two different sides: the library and the semi-circular wall. Bridges connect both parts. Between them, a beautiful space for all season is formed, involved with daylight and great views. On the first floor people enjoy of an open and illuminated space, a place to relax with a cup of coffee and take pleasure in looking the architectural work. The well-built space forms a perfect entrance with strong horizontal circulation and establishes the vertical and horizontal circulation in the building.

The programmatic and formal organization is articulated by the horizontal and vertical circulation. The vertical circulation is simple but attractive. A beautiful curved stairway ascends in one side of the building to the top and three glass elevators show every detail of the building allowing an easy movement to the top.

Thank to the design, the level of noise decrease as you move up from floor to floor. The active and noisier areas are in the lowest levels, connecting this one with the square and the public urban spaces, and privatizing the upper and study-oriented levels. Finally the building circulation ends in a rooftop garden, adding another gift for the citizens.

To my opinion the most impressive characteristic of the entire complex is the dynamic that creates trough movement, with shapes which seems to be ascended from the central square to a stunning rooftop garden.

Rc.