Seattle Central Library
The Seattle Central Library is the flagship library of the Seattle Public Library system. The 11-story (185 feet or 56 meters high) glass and steel building in downtown Seattle, Washington was opened to the public on Sunday, May 23, 2004. Rem Koolhaas was the principal architect. The 362,987 square foot (34,000 mē) public library can hold about 1.45 million books and other materials, features underground public parking for 143 vehicles, and includes over 400 computers open to the public. Over 2 million individuals visited the new library in its first year. It is the third Seattle Central Library building to be located on the same site at 1000 Fourth Avenue, the block bounded by Fourth and Fifth Avenues and Madison and Spring Streets. The library has a unique, striking appearance, consisting of several discrete "floating platforms" seemingly wrapped in a large steel net around glass skin. Architectural tours of the building began on June 5, 2006.Top photos chosen by u all:
the green ascent
Made by vsz
This Seattle Central Library escalator takes visitors up to the spiral stacks, a unique architectural characteristic of the building. Instead of floors, the library stacks spiral upward allowing people to walk between floors without the need for stairs. And yes, the escalator is fluorescent green and appears to glow. Added to group Cream of the Crop 08/01/2005 as my most viewed photo (to date). Featured in top 10 for Interestingness on , whatever that means. geotagged
red stairs
Made by vsz
red walls, red ceiling, red lights and red stairs... the low lighting made for tough conditions, i'll need to go back and practice :) geotagged Critical comments appreciated!
reflective
Made by vsz
a gloomy day led me to the Seattle library for some interior photography. This place never ceases to amaze me. large view and
The Mixing Chamber
Made by vsz
, The Mixing Chamber floor best viewed large Added to Cream of the Crop as my personal favorite 08/19/2005
future's so bright
Made by vsz
Top floor of the . better large.
Nearest places of interest:
| 1001 Fourth Avenue Plaza The Federal Building Fifth Avenue Building Columbia Center | Park Place Building One Union Square Rainier Tower US Bank Centre |
