I've gotten a lot of feedback on my call for thoughts on the architecture of the planned downtown library, both in e-mail and in the comments section of my previous post.
To start off with, one reader astutely pointed out that it's not fair to judge the library on the one still photo I included in the post. He suggested I include this video with architect Rob Wellington Quigley discussing the project with the aid of a number of computerized images:
Now, on to what you had to say.
The thoughtful:
My fifty plus years experience of using the City of San Diego's library system leads me to suggest our energy would be better spent by first considering the state of the library system overall. The Central Library clearly needs modernization, but merely designing a new facility, without first considering the state of the entire system, would be a mistake. There are many fine examples of modern Central libraries across the globe, but the finest ones are not just a facility architecture statement, they are a system architecture centerpiece.
Another consideration regarding the design of a library facility should be to balance how people feel about the library as they enter as well as how people feel about themselves while at the library.
Christopher Glenn La Mesa
The blunt:
What do I think? I think the design is horrible. Julie Lockard
The artistic, in an e-mail with the subject line "New library design:"
The impressed:
Andrew, I've visited many central libraries in cities throughout the nation and Canada. The design of San Diego's proposed central library is among the best, both in functionality and allowance for future growth. A well designed central library is not just a collection of books, tapes and research material, it is the cultural hub of the city. Citizens, tourists, as well as the various educational and business entities, throughout the region, would all benefit. Architect Rob Quigley reached out to all of these groups, solicited input and incorporated their feedback into the design. It is time to move forward. Les Williamson, Serra Mesa
And the advice-filled:
Boring, uninspired, definitely will looked (sic) dated in about 20 years. Looks like a hospital with a virtual dome pasted on top. Let Jim Hubbell have a crack at it. Then we might get a chance of something unique and memorable.
Why was this location chosen? Whose pocketbook among those who own property in the area will be benefited? The prior location at the foot of Broadway made far more sense to me. And, if there is going to be a school involved, the prior proposal to combine the facility with community college library, again, made far more sense. Obviously the architect loves the design and believes it compares favorably to any public building anywhere in the world. I won't try to second guess that judgment call. Rather, my concern is location and function. As a library user on a weekly basis, it makes so sense to me on either count. I'd rather have more books and other materials and more space in community libraries.
If you want to see a central library that not only really works, but if highly thought of by all off it's users, just walk around and through the Coronado Library on Orange Avenue accross from Spreckel's Park.
After watching the video, it looks beautiful to me inside and out. We can disagree about design from now till doomsday. Seems like we never get these projects built because those of us who find no need for it, pan it, and only want the projects built that we, ourselves, will use. A great city has projects available for all citizens to utilize depending upon our needs and wishes which change constantly.
I'm always amazed, having visited Denver and San Francisco, how it is possible for them to have world-class entral libraries, while "America's Finest City" muddles through with our facility at 820 E Street. I believe Christopher Glenn was right on target when he observed: "...There are many fine examples of modern Central libraries across the globe, but the finest ones are not just a facility architecture statement, they are a system architecture centerpiece. Another consideration regarding the design of a library facility should be to balance how people feel about the library as they enter as well as how people feel about themselves while at the library." Finally, as a pessimistic cynic, because the powers-that-be lack the political will to make it happen, what about the foot of Broadway site?
Maybe its because the "Americas finest city" moniker not earned but rather was made up by mayor Pete Wilson to save face from losing the 1972 Republican convention. C.Arnholt Smith (owner of US National Bank, Westgate Hotel and the Padres) and John Alessio ran the city at the time. They were crooks (so said a federal judge) and the police were corrupt (Yellow Cab), but they had close connections to Nixon, and got federal intervention to protect them from prosecution. Even so the corruption got so bad that Nixon backed out of San Diego. In 1973 Smith's empire collapsed. Eventually Smith, John Alessio and Angelo Alessio went to jail. Earlier Smith and Alessio had each been named "Mr. San Diego" by the Rotary Club, and Smith was dubbed Mr. San Diego of the Century. Not much has changed around here.
Unfortunately, "Not much has changed around here" is my point. We don't have to wallow in the inertia of "we've always done it that way." We can, and should do better. A world-class Central Library is the conditio sine qua non of a vibrant metropolis of the 21st century.
Watched the video and am pleased with the planning and design that was shown. It's location would add a continuity of the futuristic look as demonstrated by the convention center. However, I am puzzled about how open it is. It's grand to see the "open" environment but, due to the problem of the homelessness and crime, what thought(s) have been given to the security--especially after the library closes. Also, where is the money coming from? As the saying goes, "California is broke; ergo, the cities and the counties are broke!" Just food for thought from a native citizen.
As an architectural historian I think the design would have been great in the era of when Balboa Park was built. When I questioned the architech about the dome being a pigeon or seagull roost with their droppings landing on unsuspecting people below he responded that the beams were photovoltaic beams. That was a plus but still didn't solve the droppings problem. Considering we are in the computer age I think a Bauhaus Design approach would be more Practical. The current design is more of an architectural statement for the architect entailing high future maintenance costs. Finally considering our economic climate I think it is time to take a pass on any new library.
The design is just pretentious, and frankly - God-awful. The ultra-idiotic dome thing is a nightmare and will only contribute to more urban blight. I'm sure that it also substantially contributes to the obscene $185 million price tag for this un-needed facility. Add architect Rob Wellington Quigley to the growing list of corporate welfare queens in San Diego - John "build me a baseball only" stadium downtown, Alex "me too" Spanos, and hoteliers C. Terry Brown and Bill Evans etc. When San Diego decides to grow up and be a real City like L.A., we won't be discussing taxpayer-funded largess like the downtown library, downtown stadium, downtown convention center, downtown everything else tourist traps. Back to the design, if this monstrosity is actually constructed, then Quigley should be waterboarded for inflicting this thing on us.
Incredible! We're cutting library hours at the branches, has anyone noticed? The City seemingly cannot afford basic services, and "the people" won't even vote for an increase in the transient occupancy tax that they don't pay for. We need leaders who are capable, courageous, centered on the public good, philosopher-king types, and most of ours are not. Maybe money required in the campaigns plays a role? I wonder. I find this design also has too much open space, which is isolating. The trend in urban areas toward sidewalk cafes and accessible streets helps people to feel comfortable and friendly toward each other. Finally, where are the books, tapes and computers?
It appears to be quite appealing from the interior, with high ceilings and lots of natural light. The exterior, however, is just another example of a box with an architectural feature (the dome) that attempts to mask an insipidly boring design. Let's not waste this opportunity to create something world-class which would even draw tourists, something that some other cities, i.e. Bilboa, and Perth, have.
Regardless of the critique of the design...that's now irrelevant. It's already been chosen and will not be changed in any significant way. The real question now is just a matter of money - who pays. "Central" libraries are essential to the entire library system. It is a repository for many materials that cannot be properly maintained or distributed throughout the system. The location is much more accomodating to users than the present site. The central library functions as both another "branch library" that, in this case, serves the downtown residents and, also, is a secure environment for certain materials that cannot be "shared" because of condition, rarity, historical significance, value, or the need for special preservation techniques. To tell the truth, I've never embraced the design. But what is more important is not what's outside, it's what is inside that counts.
The design is fine -- so verrrry San Diego -- if you like crap. We already have one nondescript box of a downtown library. That should fill the need for mediocrity without spending another dime (money we do N-O-T have, by the way), even if it comes from some other governmental entity. What? Don't mind using other people's money? Waste is waste and that is why California is in the fine mess it is (and, of course, also "America's Foolish City). This city and some of its more foolish residents never cease to amaze. I'm sure you will get what you deserve.
When the Seattle Public Library director talked about their new library (before it was built), she said she cared less about whether or not everyone liked it (an impossibility) but that they talked about it, that the building excited the community. Because of the botched fundraising and lack of leadership, I don't hear near the excitement on this project--not even from the library staff. The Seattle Public Library director was the best spokesperson for her library because she was excited, proud, and energetic about describing why the new building was needed. Heck, I wanted to donate and I've never lived in Seattle. Mostly the City and Foundation has sounded like a bunch of whiners who aren't getting what they want and want it mostly because Moore or some other big donor needs a pay off. The "sell" to the public has been ineffectual. The building is too.
What a piece of trash. It's literally just a series of drab concrete blocks with a stupid dome over them. The two best looking central libraries in the country are NYC's (with its very traditional but high quality design) and Seattle's (for the shear amount of modernist creativity of the place) and this lame duck proposal can't hold a candle to either one of those libraries. We should either do the new library the right way or not do it at all because it is just a waste of money to have the city half ass something this important.
Nice design. Two thoughts for Rob Quigley: 1) have you considered passive solar heating/ventilation and other aspects of green building design? 2) It would be great if the lattice dome had features or colors on it to make it resemble the surface of the earth.
Nice design. Two thoughts for Rob Quigley: 1) have you considered passive solar heating/ventilation and other aspects of green building design? 2) It would be great if the lattice dome had features or colors on it to make it resemble the surface of the earth.
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