Well, this post has been gestating for a while in my brain, and I want to share it with you now. The third installment in the library design series is all about a library I very much want to visit (and work at): The Morgan Library.The Morgan began as the personal library of the infamous banker and financier, J. Pierpont Morgan. The library was adjacent to his residence (at the time), and the original building’s architects were McKim, Mead & White. McKim designed the exterior as a Italian Renaissance style palazzo in the Palladian tradition. The result was this façade:
(Source: here.)
Personally, I find the exterior very typical of the time in which the original building was contructed (1902-1906) but some architecture critics describe this as McKim’s masterpiece. Looking at the inside, I might agree:
(Source: here.)
The interiors are, like the exterior, very much reflective of the time in which they were constructed. However, they are also reflective of their purpose: for the exclusive use of J. Pierpont Morgan. It is the next event that makes this space unique in this series, as well as in libraries in general (to the best of my knowledge).
After Morgan dies, his son (J. P. Morgan, Jr.) decides that the items in his father’s library are far too important for only private use, and so in 1924 “gives” the Morgan library to the public. This, of course, changes the nature of the collection, as well as the use of the space the collection is housed in. Though I read little about the interim of the use of the building, I can imagine it was less than optimal for visitors and patrons of the library.
This all changes in 2001 when the Renzo Piano Building Workshop is selected for the first major construction project at the Mogan since its initial construction. In 2006, construction is finished, and the additions to the Morgan are widely praised, by both critics and the public alike. Piano’s sensitivity to the needs of the reader and user of the library are evidenced by these images:
(Source: here.)
(Source: here.)
(Source: here.)
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(Source: here.)
From the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission:
The largest expansion in the Morgan's Library's history, adding 75,000 square feet to the campus, was completed in 2006 after approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Renzo Piano, the project increased exhibition space by more than fifty percent and added important visitor amenities, including a new performance hall, a welcoming entrance on Madison Avenue, a new café and a new restaurant, a shop, a new reading room, and collections storage. Piano's design integrates the Morgan's three historical buildings with three new modestly scaled steel-and-glass pavilions. A soaring central court connects the buildings and serves as a gathering place for visitors in the spirit of an Italian piazza.
The final image is of the new Piano-designed reading room, which is a space I think deserves special attention in any library, as it is the space in which patrons interact with the resources of the library - really the essential function (and therefore space) of any library.
As you can see, the reading room is flooded with even, natural lighting. I can only assume that this is not terribly intense, or the light-sensitive rare books of the Morgan are used in a different space. However, if they are used there, what a great space to use them in - well-lit by natural lighting, large tables with lamps, and power outlets. Also, a librarian is close at hand to assist patrons as well as a couple of computers to use the Morgan’s catalog (I assume).
I think this might be my favorite space thus far for four reasons:
The effective re-purposing of the library as reflected in the addition.
The sensitivity of Piano to the existing space and buildings.
Piano’s efforts to make the new space user friendly.
The amazing reading room.
What are your thoughts about this space? Have you ever been there? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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