The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library Has an Aluminium Top
Elena Rahman — June 28, 2021 — Art & Design
Located in New York, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library was recently renovated by Dutch practice Mecanoo and American firm Beyer Blinder Belle. Formerly called the Mid-Manhattan Library, the building's original structure was retained during the renovation.
The building is topped with a sculptural aluminum crown, transforming the space into a three-story vertical library. On the first floor, a Children's and Teen Center is designed to engage youth. The expansion also includes business and educational spaces and a publicly accessible rooftop garden and café. Designed to echo the copper-clad mansard roofs of the neighboring beaux-arts buildings, a blue aluminum structure conceals the library's mechanical equipment.
Referred to as the Wizard Hat, the aluminum topper reflects the magnitude of wisdom found within the library walls. As expressed by Mecanoo partner Francis Houben, visually, "its street presence brings drama and magic to Manhattan."
Image Credit: Dezeen
The building is topped with a sculptural aluminum crown, transforming the space into a three-story vertical library. On the first floor, a Children's and Teen Center is designed to engage youth. The expansion also includes business and educational spaces and a publicly accessible rooftop garden and café. Designed to echo the copper-clad mansard roofs of the neighboring beaux-arts buildings, a blue aluminum structure conceals the library's mechanical equipment.
Referred to as the Wizard Hat, the aluminum topper reflects the magnitude of wisdom found within the library walls. As expressed by Mecanoo partner Francis Houben, visually, "its street presence brings drama and magic to Manhattan."
Image Credit: Dezeen
Trend Themes
1. Sculptural Building Crowns - The use of sculptural metallic crowns on buildings provides an opportunity for architects and designers to create unique and visually captivating structures.
2. Vertical Libraries - Creating multi-level libraries that go beyond the conventional horizontal layout can provide opportunities for more efficient and space-saving designs.
3. Public Rooftop Spaces - Incorporating accessible rooftop spaces in building designs can provide opportunities for community engagement, outdoor events, and unique urban vistas.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can leverage the sculptural building crown trend to create visually dynamic and unique structures that enhance the character of a city or place.
2. Education - The trend of vertical libraries can offer opportunities to create efficient, space-saving designs that better serve the needs of students, staff, and faculty.
3. Hospitality - Incorporating rooftop spaces in hotel designs can create unique selling points and immersive guest experiences that set them apart from competitors.
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