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| The Library |
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| The Children's Area |
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| The Two-Step Stair |
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| Cylindrical Bookshelf & Fort |
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| Secondary Section |
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| A wonderful Dutch Model |
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| Transportation |
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| Music Library & Lighting |
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| Veils of White Linen & Leather Seats |
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| Study Space |
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| Crown Cafe |
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| Stair & Booth |
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| Overlook Cafe |
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| Food Choices |
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| Vegetables |
A remarkable and obtuse surprise was the Library in Amsterdam by Architect Jo Coenen. Nestled aptly within the elder city are two paradigms of expertly designed modern architecture. The science museum "Nemo" by Renzo Piano guides the eye across the Copperesque cladding towards the river front. The frame then dances with river boats to which the enormous library settles. The bibliotèque stairs beckons you to approach the gigantic structure. You pierce within to find yourself imbued with stark white walls allowing the interior to shine with movement and shapes. The books stand out like an art collection among many.
Infiltrating further, the Children's area was of the greatest excitement and joy. Approaching the expanse you stand above the deep chasm where children keep active. The two-step stairs brings you at eye with the youth. Extruding from the ground are sliced, cylindrical shelves grasping the books. They bring the children's eyes from their short scale towards the beautifully conceived height of the atrium. The children live in a big world of joy and magic.
The library next brings the audience to spaces for elders. Music lounges, study rooms and quaint book shelves hold captive the gentle people in this prodigious complex. Striking the rooms with veils of white linen and godly chairs of leather sketches the break in stride. They sit, relax and learn. Onward they move towards a great room of computers to entertain the soul of knowledge.
Lastly, you rise through the floor to the crown of the empire. A lone cafe escorts the hungry and weary to indulge in great food. The space is delicate and finely detailed once more. Along with food sits nicely shaped tables and booths. The building oddly fits within a city of movement and activity; something I did not expect.
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