LauraMedina


 * Salt Lake City **** Public Library **

Salt Lake City Public Library is located in Utah, USA. It is one of the most spectacular buildings in Salt Lake City and even in the United States. It has a magnificent structure that allowing it to have a curved shape formed by glass. In the library you can find over 500,000 books, some DVD’s and other interactive materials. Inside the building there are very interesting spatial relationships, which are achieved due the circulation. Then I will explain vertical and horizontal circulation. The building is located like a connector object that serves as a transition between different spaces. At the library entrance there is a square from which some walkways are deployed. These walkways are made of concrete and help users navigate the site through the grass. In the surroundings of the building you can find reflecting pools, small relieves in the gardens and a long ramp. All these elements create different spatial sensations along the route. Exterior horizontal circulation is also accompanied by structural elements of the façade which create a rhythm.



In the inside, about horizontal circulation, you can observe the different relationships between spaces of various scales. This is achieved through bridges on the upper floors that allow us to observe the five story lobby. The trail is defined by the furniture, shelves and cubicles according to the library needs. The way across the building is radial as a result of the building shape.

The vertical circulation is composed of several elements. In first place a big spiral staircase. In second place other staircases in lineal shape. Finally there are three crystal elevators; this system is located almost in the centre of the big lobby.

In my opinion the Salt Lake Library is a great piece of architecture. The architects designed very well the circulation, generating different spatial experiences along the way. Each element helps to define the circulation and turns it into a beautiful building.

media type="custom" key="6384483"