LourdesPernia

=Salt Lake City Library=

In the following text, there will be a description of the Salt Lake City Library’s circulation space and layout. The building was constructed in 2002 to replace the old library and create an innovative new attraction in the city. The building exterior has curved lines and modern aesthetics that break with conventional libraries and older buildings. It was a bold proposition in its time, with a great plaza for public events, a walk-able roof with public access, and a general internal placement that invites people for a cultural and learning experience. Aside from it’s main function, the building offers great view over the city, and is a great touristic attraction.

The horizontal circulation of this building is open and welcoming. From the entrance outside to the main hall, the spaces are wide and allow for many people to circulate freely at any time. The different areas have clear spaces for easy transition, and the two sides of the building are connected by suspended pathways that hover above the main hall, giving a general view of the entire inner space of the building.



Vertically, the building delivers an effective and aesthetic solution with wide, oval shaped stairways. The peculiar shape gives a more comfortable climb than circular stairs, and allows for a rest in the middle to make the climb easier. The library also has a set of elevators close to the middle of the building, which provide easy access to the higher floors of the building. These elevators follow the same style of the building; transparent glass walls and subtle lines that give an overall modern, yet welcoming look.



In my opinion, the architect’s way of solving the vertical and horizontal circulation is efficient and modern. It fulfills the need for circulation for a great number of visitants in the most comfortable way possible, even for people with disabilities. He also gives the library a “mall look”, which makes the quest for knowledge a more pleasant and entertaining experience.



media type="file" key="quiz 4 lourdespernia.mp3"