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The New Downtown Library: Designing With Communities,Used
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The past twenty years have seen a building boom for downtown public libraries. From Brooklyn to Seattle, architects, civic leaders, and citizens in major U.S. cities have worked to reassert the relevance of the central library. While the libraries primary functionsas public spaces where information is gathered, organized, preserved, and made available for usehave not changed over the years, the processes by which they accomplish these goals have. These new processes, and the public debates surrounding them, have radically influenced the utility and design of new library buildings. In The New Downtown Library, Shannon Mattern draws on a diverse range of sources to investigate how libraries serve as multiuse public spaces, anchors in urban redevelopment, civic icons, and showcases of renowned architects like Rem Koolhaas, Cesar Pelli, and Enrique Norton. Matterns clear and careful analysis reveals the complexity of contemporary dialogues in library design, highlighting the roles that staff, the public, and other special interest groups play. Mattern also describes how the libraries manifest changing demographics, new ways of organizing collections and delivering media, and current philosophies of librarianship. By identifying unifying themes as well as examining the differences among various design projects, Mattern brings to light the social forces, as well as their architectural expressions, that form the essence of new libraries and their vital place in public life.Featured libraries are located in Brooklyn, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toledo.Shannon Mattern is assistant professor of media studies and film at The New School.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'The New Downtown Library'? A: 'The New Downtown Library' focuses on the evolution of public libraries in urban areas, examining how they have transformed into multiuse spaces that engage with their communities while showcasing modern architectural designs.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The New Downtown Library' is Shannon Mattern, who is an assistant professor of media studies and film at The New School.
- Q: What are the key themes discussed in the book? A: Key themes in the book include the role of libraries in urban redevelopment, the influence of civic engagement on library design, and the changing demographics and philosophies of librarianship.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: 'The New Downtown Library' is listed as a used book in good condition, indicating it may show signs of wear but is still readable.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: 'The New Downtown Library' contains 248 pages of insightful content about contemporary library design.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is published in hardcover binding, providing durability and a professional appearance.
- Q: When was 'The New Downtown Library' published? A: 'The New Downtown Library' was published on February 23, 2007.
- Q: What notable libraries are featured in the book? A: The book features libraries from various U.S. cities, including Brooklyn, Seattle, Chicago, and San Francisco, highlighting their unique designs and community roles.
- Q: Is there an edition specified for this book? A: Yes, 'The New Downtown Library' is noted as the first edition.
- Q: What makes this book relevant for those interested in urban design? A: The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how libraries adapt to societal changes and urban redevelopment, making it relevant for anyone interested in contemporary architectural practices and community engagement.