Eye-Popping, Show-Stopping Libraries: Trends and Insights from the AIA/ALA Library Building Awards

(Hardback)

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Description

Eye-Popping Show-Stopping Libraries starts out by recounting the beginning of the relationship between the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) to establish the Library Building awards and traces the development of the program over the following five decades. In the next seven chapters the authors have grouped selected award-winning libraries by big themes, to explore the evolution of service innovations and design trends; most of the selected case studies include exterior and interior photographs, as well as floor plans. The final chapter offers some thoughts on what a half-century of award-winning architecture can tell us about the future of library service and library design. In the afterword the authors review the initial round of seventeen award-winning libraries from 1963, to assess how the designs have held up over time, and to describe the current disposition of the building. Three appendixes offer a chronological list of award recipients, an alphabetical list of awardees by library, and an alphabetical list by architect. The fourth and final appendix is a chronological list of jury members.

This full-color, beautifully illustrated with 141 images book presents these exemplary libraries as an exploration of the evolution of library service and design. It examines the award-winning libraries by big themes to explore how service trends and design trends have evolved. Documentation of featured library buildings (including photographs and plans) is an important element.

Reviews

Authors Dahlgren and Forrest, two visionaries whove helped libraries design, build, and renovate their physical spaces since the 1980s, offer a comprehensive examination of library spaces. The book describes the establishment of the Library Building Awards, which recognize innovation and creative adaptation in library spaces and came about through a unique collaboration between the American Institute of Architects and the American Library Association. More intriguing is a chapter on lesser-known, small-scale projects, many helpfully illustrated with floor plans. A didactic chapter on key examples of architectural stylesfrom international style to postmodernismsucceeds through strong illustrations (color photographs and monochrome floor plans) and precise verbal descriptions.... For all collections supporting architectural design and library administration. * Library Journal *
The Library Architecture Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate buildings that are at the core of our communities and aspirations. This volume highlights the dynamic complexity of those libraries, helping us understand their adaptability and fundamental role in our lives. -- Daniel Lobo, senior director, Honors and Awards, The American Institute of Architects
Dahlgren and Forrest brilliantly describe the workings of the awards program and define for the reader the qualities of an eye-popping, show-stopping and award winning library. For those who understand the importance of libraries in our communities, and value the recognition bestowed on great libraries and architects by this award, this is a must read. -- Peter J. Bolek, AIA, President of HBM Architects and Chair of the AIA/ALA Awards Committee
This book documents the history of the Library Building Awards program in an engaging manner that shows the reader how this program developed, but more importantly, how the library as space has evolved over the years. This is required reading for anyone planning a new building, a renovation, or an expansion of their library. - Jeffrey T. Bowen, Building Awards Committee Chair, 2016-2020 -- Jeffrey T. Bowen, ALA/AIA Library Building Awards Committee Chair, 2016-2020

Author Bio

Anders C. Dahlgren is president of Library Planning Associates and has devoted his career to library planning and design concerns. As a public librarian and library director, he became involved with facilities planning and design. For 14 years, he served as consultant for public library construction and planning for the Wisconsin state library agency, during which time he conferred with two-thirds of the states 380 public libraries. As a consulting librarian with Library Planning Associates, Inc. he has consulted with more than 150 libraries, in 25 states, and four countries. Two of his projects have been recognized by Library Journal as Library of the Year, three by LJ as a New Library Landmark, and two by the American Institute of Architects with an Honor Award.


Charles Forrest is Principal, 21CL Consulting, LLC, and has over thirty-five years of experience in academic and research libraries. After nearly a decade with the University of Illinois libraries, first in Chicago, then at the flagship campus in Urbana-Champaign, he moved to Emory University in 1988 where he held a series of administrative positions in the Emory Libraries, including director of instructional support services, director of planning and budget, and director of library facilities. Charles served as library project manager for many library construction and renovation projects at Emory until his retirement in May 2016.