Slog Comments
The Always Ugly Beacon Hill Branch Library
1
I've never been there, but the building looks alright to me on the outside. Maybe I don't have a well developed taste for architecture.
4
Of all the new generation of neighborhood branches of the Seattle Public Library--or at least the branches I've been to--Beacon Hill is probably my favorite. Now, it's my favorite because of the view on the inside. Call me a sucker for sweeping cedar ceilings. I haven't given much thought to how it looks from the outside, but then, if I'm there to enjoy the view, it's because I'm enjoying the view sitting in the library.
6
I don't know if "humility" is a vibe libraries should be aiming for as they strain to remain relevant in the 21st century. If anything, this architecture—however distasteful it may be to you—might better convey the type of services they need to promote for today's crowd: access to language support, academic and research help, interactive online tutoring, and services like resume support and job searching for marginalized communities.
7
As a long-time Beacon Hill resident, I can assure you the Beacon Hill branch library is a fine addition to the community. It works very well for us.
And honestly, it's orders of magnitude better than the tiny storefront in the dilapidated building that it replaced.
And honestly, it's orders of magnitude better than the tiny storefront in the dilapidated building that it replaced.
9
Hey, Georgetown could use a library. Why so ungratful? There is nothing wrong with the building. I'm almost offended that you used church and honesty together in one sentence. Wish I had a library in my hood. I guess we don't read books down here.
11
@4, I completely agree. It's a knockout for actual users, which more than makes up for its tendency to annoy passing bloggers.
12
Upturned canoe? What's on the site that an upturned canoe is the response? Is there a large lake on Beacon Hill? I don't think the building ugly but those architects sure are a pompous lot.
13
It's a fine building, but I think the bigger issue is that it doesn't really fit with the neighborhood at all. We'll see how it looks in another 5 years, I guess.
14
The Beacon Hill library is visually delightful and an important community resource. Charles, you are completely wrong.
15
What the fuck is up with your photo Charles? It's a sunny day and you still end up with and under exposed photo? You're posting from a computer and can't find a way to brighten the exposure? Your posts are getting to be as lazy as your opinions.
16
"Carlson Architects design responds directly to the site. Resembling an upturned canoe"
How is that site specific? Canoe on a hill?
How is that site specific? Canoe on a hill?
17
Stop inside, Charles.It's always full but never feels crowded. Library patrons represent the diversity of Beacon Hill: grandparents with magazines, babies gnawing board books, teenagers looking bored--speaking many languages and from a range of income levels.
It's sincere, and honest, and useful. Why would you want it to go away?
It's sincere, and honest, and useful. Why would you want it to go away?
18
I'm one of those appreciative library geeks who did that Library Passport thing where you visit every SPL branch and get your little SPL passport stamped. Visiting all the branches was well worth the effort. The Beacon Hill branch was one of the last ones I got to, and of all of them was the most surprising (pleasantly) once I stepped inside. The exterior I think is ok, but grows on you once you appreciate the details. But the interior, in contrast to how you perceive the outside (especially after having visited so many other branches), was the most jaw-dropping. The light, the soaring space, the layout, and all the amazing wood work - inspiring.
19
Telephone and power lines slice up the sky. We should bury them all. The world will feel like it's actual size when you're walking down the street.
21
The portrait orientation combined with the building's cramped location along the bottom edge makes this photo read as if the primary subject is the sky, the clouds, or maybe the wires. Only 25% of the frame is filled with the actual subject. It might be "artsy" but it certainly doesn't help readers agree or disagree with your negative assessment of the building's architecture. Next time try landscape and get in a little closer.
"If your picture isn't good enough, you're not close enough." - Robert Capa
"If your picture isn't good enough, you're not close enough." - Robert Capa
22
@17 - "It's sincere, and honest, and useful. Why would you want it to go away?"
because charles is none of those things.
. . . and also all that stuff you said about the community that the patrons generate. you can only say that if it's charles approved. otherwise, it didn't happen!
@20 - "Charles is apparently smoking crack today."
correction:: _every day_
because charles is none of those things.
. . . and also all that stuff you said about the community that the patrons generate. you can only say that if it's charles approved. otherwise, it didn't happen!
@20 - "Charles is apparently smoking crack today."
correction:: _every day_
23
The old Beacon Hill library was a leaking shame and the poster child for the library bond issue.
The new Beacon Hill library is gorgeous and functional. It's a dream come true for long-time Beacon Hill residents.
Charles is a troll.
The new Beacon Hill library is gorgeous and functional. It's a dream come true for long-time Beacon Hill residents.
Charles is a troll.
24
Charles never misses an opportunity to say something annoying and purposefully controversial. He certainly hit the mark on this one. I almost hate to give him the satisfaction of a response. I'm a long time resident of Beacon Hill and absolutely LOVE out library. The old "storefront" library branch was sad and and embarrassing. Think whatever you want of the architecture (personally I think it is quite striking and serves as a lovely landmark in a neighborhood that lacks many landmarks). But more than that, when you step inside, the thing is truly a work of beauty. Both the physical beauty of the design and architecture, but more, the vibrancy of a community coming together in this space. It is an absolute treasure for the neighborhood.
26
This is not the first time Charles has bitched about the library. Apparently a slow news day for Charles is commenting on how much his library design would have been better.
The old store-front wasn't honest or humble, Charles. It was sad. Similar to you and your lack of new ideas to talk about. Old schtick. Your 3 early-morning posts a day are less readable, by the day...
The old store-front wasn't honest or humble, Charles. It was sad. Similar to you and your lack of new ideas to talk about. Old schtick. Your 3 early-morning posts a day are less readable, by the day...
28
What a rad little building.
You're an idiot, Charles. No, you're worse than an idiot: you're aesthetically impaired. People like you are the reason denizens of more cosmopolitan locales accuse Seattle of being a bunch tasteless rubes. Generally those accusations are confined to our fleece attire, but you won't rest until they're convinced we know nothing about architecture as well.
You're an idiot, Charles. No, you're worse than an idiot: you're aesthetically impaired. People like you are the reason denizens of more cosmopolitan locales accuse Seattle of being a bunch tasteless rubes. Generally those accusations are confined to our fleece attire, but you won't rest until they're convinced we know nothing about architecture as well.
29
Charles, your take on this library is so 180 degrees off, I wonder if you might be employing some kind of satire-sarcasm-opposite day logic that I'm not familiar with.
I located some more pictures of it. It's stunning. Especially inside, as another commenter pointed out.
http://archrecord.construction.com/proje…
I located some more pictures of it. It's stunning. Especially inside, as another commenter pointed out.
http://archrecord.construction.com/proje…
31
it seems like the "local, organic" equivalent of one of those late 60s creepy futuristic churches that you see scattered everywhere. the style here is basically that same "spaceship" sentiment over-layed with a rustic fishing processing longhaus. Bruce goff is hella ugly but I still dig it.
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