Integration

Integration

Reimagining the Athenaeum of Philadelphia: 2050

Kennedy, Lauren

Baldwin, NY, USA

005-LF-S010

2014

The Catholic University of America

Student

In the year 2050, increasing populations and technological advances will completely alter the use of buildings in large cities, specifically libraries. In a progressively computerized and individualized generation, it will be important to preserve the usage and the exhibition of physical books in an area designed for face-to-face interaction between humans. Digital access will be the dominant way through which people pursuit education so the Athenaeum of 2050 should do it’s best to integrate both the historical aspect of the space with new advances in technology. Due to this swift switch to the digital world and the scarcity of physical publications, the Athenaeum of Philadelphia will become a sacred shrine to cultivate ones knowledge through the practice of handling a tangible book in a creative and growing environment of proliferation.

Although the Athenaeum will be a place for an exclusive group of paying members, in order to be the pride and ornament of Philadelphia and achieve the goal of expanding knowledge, the space must be inviting towards both the members as well as the city’s inhabitants. The integrating concept behind the design for the 2050 Athenaeum of Philadelphia is formulated with the idea of growth in of both knowledge and nature, cultivation of both intellect and environment and sacredness of both physical books and open green space. From the entrance, one can see attendees on the top floor reading/exhibition space and vice versa. The reading and exhibition spaces are integrated on each floor to encourage inspiration and knowledge. The private glass reading bubbles with views to Washington Square park extruding from the green wall and the public spaces allow for semi-privacy in the building. The angled roof that corresponds to the 10 bays of 18’ feet structural system allows for sunlight to enter each floor as does the half glass wall on the south elevation. The Athenaeum of 2050 will be a facilitator for gathering information in an integrated space.

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