A pattern of light : a new library for Newton and an analysis of the building type

Abstract

Natural light can add clarity to the organization of buildings by distinguishing areas of occupation with varying quantities and qualities of illumination. Libraries are good to study in this regard because of their varying requirements for light: reading areas must be brightly lit, while bookstacks should have little light for preservation. In responding to these needs, many libraries establish a pattern of light that relates to the buildings' use. Natural light is basic to the organization of four libraries studied: the Laurentian, Florence; Sainte Genevieve, Paris; the Seinajoke, Finland; and the Phillips Academy, Exeter. The buildings are analyzed through plans, sections, and perspective sketches. The understanding of light gained from these references is applied to my design of the Newton Public Library. In addition, I go one step further and try to use natural light to establish a continuity between different functional areas of the library.