Seattle Public Library, Central Branch
Flickr: N i c o l a
In 2004, the Seattle Public Library’s Central branch re-opened its doors after a new building was constructed. Attendance more than doubled as a result — no surprise given how stunning the new facility is. The library website says that 4,644 tons of steel were used during construction, which is the equivalent weight of 20 Statues of Liberty. This building was built on a grid system, meaning that it’s able to withstand strong earthquakes and punishing winds. Architects Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Ramus of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture were the building’s primary designers.
