it's mostly architectural controversies, but I hear they lend books, too
Interesting developments on the Logan Circle listserv! Apparently the new Shaw library has been going through a design process since January, at which time residents were shown this design:
They liked it! But now months have passed, and somehow the project has changed into this:
It certainly looks, um, more... frugal? Maybe those who know something about architecture will be able to defend it on the merits. I don't know anything about these matters, but I can see how some might think the earlier, prettier design is less interesting. Or maybe the second one really is the trainwreck it appears to be.
Comments
Well, less glazing (windows) means that less sunlight will get in to cause overheating, and also it will be more efficient to heat and cool without the energy seeping through the glass. And librarians probably don't think that having books sitting in direct sunlight is an appropriate archival storage system.
It does seem less welcoming though...