A good book and a beautiful library certainly sounds like a match made in heaven to us.
You can dream on, with these eight libraries recognised in the 2017 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards. Just dream quietly please.
SEE ALSO:20 stunning editions of classic books you'll want to add to your libraryAwarded by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA), the program encourages and recognises excellence in the architectural design of libraries.
Projects can be located anywhere around the world, but only those designed by an architect licensed in the U.S. can be submitted in the competition.
Still, these libraries are worth marvelling (quietly) at. Ah, we can almost hear the beautiful silence.
Architect: William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc.Credit: Bruce T. Martin Photography
Credit: Bruce T. Martin PhotographyThe central branch of the Boston Public Library received renovations throughout the last two years, transforming one wing of the library from a stone bunker originally constructed in 1895 to a light-filled space that opens up to a newly-built public plaza.
Architect: JBADCredit: © FEINKNOPF PHOTOGRAPHY/BRAD FEINKNOPF
Credit: © FEINKNOPF PHOTOGRAPHY/BRAD FEINKNOPFFilled with natural light, the library on the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio is as much a community venue as it is a place of knowledge. The inside is a large rectangular space which accommodates bookshelves, an area for teenagers and children, public computers and a quiet room.
Architect: William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc.Credit: ROBERT BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Credit: robert benson photographyA "one room" concept, East Boston's new library features separate areas for adults, teens and children without splitting these groups into separate rooms. The undulating roof lets in just the right amount of sunlight over the airy column-free reading room.
Architect: Gunnar Birkerts Architects; Associate Architect: Gelzis-Smits/ArhetipsCredit: david oldham
Credit: david oldhamA new library spanning more than 600,000 square feet (182,000 square metres), Latvia's National Library was designed to store, preserve and make accessible the country's cultural heritage. Here state-of-the-art technology makes digitisation and storage easier, with building making its mark on Riga's skyline.
Architect: Andrew Berman Architect, PLLCCredit: NAHO KUBOTA
Credit: naho kubotaAn expansion of a single-room library, this branch library in Stapleton, Staten Island has been given an upgrade to better suit the needs of the local community. The library's exposed wood structure is certainly warm and alluring, melding together new and old buildings.
Architect: Eskew+Dumez+RippleCredit: TIMOTHY HURSLEY
Credit: Timothy hursleyLocated in New Orleans' Broadmoor neighbourhood, the library is a symbol of the community's recovery following Hurricane Katrina. It stands in an area earmarked for green space by a former city mayor, if not for the efforts of residents to ensure their local library was rebuilt.
Architects: Opsis Architecture LLPCredit: Christian Columbres
Credit: Christian ColumbresDesigned with the input of students from the University of Oregon, the underground library was remodelled to maximise the amount of natural light that could flow below. The library's print collection was downsized to increase communal space, as student interaction became a priority.
Architect: BCWH, Associate Architect: Tappe ArchitectsCredit: CHRIS CUNNINGHAM PHOTOGRApHY
Credit: Chris cunningham photographyFormerly a private residence, the Varina Area Library serves a primarily rural community. Much of its surrounding landscaping has been left untouched, with a floor plan designed to maximise the view of the land around the building.
Libraries: Long may they receive funding and thrive.
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