Seattle Public library

Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas and his Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), and Seattle-based LMN Architects, the new 355,000-square-foot Seattle Public Library opened in 2004. A community and cultural anchor for the city, the landmark building houses the Seattle library system’s main collection of books, government publications, periodicals, audio visual materials and the technology base required to access and distribute information from the physical collection online. The library is used by six to eight thousand people per day, and encourages and expresses the richness of the city’s public, cultural and intellectual life. BMD, in collaboration with OMA, developed the library’s graphic identity, signage and wayfinding systems.

Prior to any graphic design initiation, BMD and OMA undertook an investigation into the relevance of the contemporary library and how well electronic media could be integrated into it. After much discussion, it was agreed that the library is ultimately a public space whose major purpose is to provide community and a forum for public debate.

Referred to as “Big Strong Font Made Friendly,” the library’s identity is based on a font (Futura Bold) whose easy readability endows it with a highly recognizable presence.

Environmental graphics have been designed using an approach that equates wordmark with landmark: signage integrates with architecture through material and scale. Whimsical elements such as playful, oversized “supergraphics” and giant interior and exterior title walls respond to structural specifics and the special needs of users, with a sensitivity to both children and adults. For example, the 14’ x 50’ children’s area has a 14’ sandblasted glass wall demarcating the space, while an urban-scaled, sandblasted wordmark overlooks the outdoor plaza.

The “Spiral”, or Collections area, is made up of a series of garage-like ramps. In keeping with that metaphor and the graphic plan’s integrated approach, BMD has devised “Stack mats” made from die-cut rubber. Laid down flush with the ground, the mats need only be picked up and moved to accommodate expanding collections.