Metadata
Title
The Athenaeum, Philadelphia, PA
Creator
Yager, Nicholas
Location
Henderson, NV, USA
Call Number
005-LF-S019
Date
2014
School
The Catholic University of America
Category
Student
Project Assumption
The Athenaeum is a library and museum with historical design, literary, and educational activities. It is a member-supported library with a circulating collection and reading rooms that engage the public as well through lectures, programs, exhibitions, and publications. As technology has advanced, books and other materials have been made accessible through the Internet. Members could potentially access everything in the library from their home. These advances threaten the not only the existence of books, but also the need for libraries as well. Can architecture evolve to incorporate these advances in technology?
Project Statement
In this design, the Athenaeum changes from Georgian style to contemporary, symbolizing the advancement in technology. The first floor glass walls may be interactive digital screens displayed in the exhibition room. The digital center creates a space to access online services. Despite technological advances, there is a special quality about tangible books that digital material cannot offer. The Athenaeum provides learning and interactive space such as an exhibition space, lecture hall, and chess room that cannot be replaced by Internet. Therefore, it is important to adapt and include the technology, while giving visitors reason to come to the Athenaeum.
Registration Number
46144918