Central Library, Seattle, USA 

The new Central Library looms up from the centre of Seattle like a colossal pile of crystal books, . Architect Rem Koolhaas merged five adjoining, multi-storey building sections to form an 11-storey library thus creating a cubically folded building structure suffused with light. Each element defines a physically and functionally distinct library cluster. Just under 12,000 square metres of glass façade lend the “Crystal” its appearance and afford spectacular views over the city.
With its virtually square, imposing outer dimensions of 60 to 65 metres, the Central Library is a breathtakingly spectacular structure featuring folded façade surfaces, which, at first glance, appear bewildering. The project posed a technical challenge in terms of façade construction. Vertical exterior surfaces merge with partial façades that slant inwards and outwards and place the highest demands on the outer skin’s detailing and assembly. Exactly 9,994 panes were assembled, one-third of which were of irregular shapes.

Using large scale steel laod-bearing supports a secondary construction, a small-scale, rhomboid steel network is mounted on to the primary construction.. This network ensures that the structure remains earthquake-proof and gives the façade its unmistakable architectural attribute A double layer of anodized aluminium profiles was laid on top for the façade’s glazing. The slidable glass panes are clamped over a cover strip disengaging them from the building’s movements. In this way, the building meets the increasingly stringent requirements made on the earthquake-threatened area. Despite the high degree of transparency, glass of varying compositions ensures a pleasant atmosphere inside the building.