This is the main branch of the Phoenix Public Library. It is an architectural masterpiece. It has a rather minimalist, industrial design, but is stunningly beautiful. It was also about half the price per square foot as the average library construction costs. The east and west facade, on the left and right ends of this photo, are metal to reflect the sun. The north and south facades are glass, with sail-like shade structures that let light in but keep direct sun out.
There are round skylights on the roof, and on the first day of spring and fall the sun passing directly overhead at noon sends shafts of light down onto pillars in the interior. Crowds gather to watch, sort of like a Phoenix equivalent of the crowds watching the serpent shadows on the side of the staircase of the grand pyramid at Chichen Itza in the Yucatan.
This week we are showing photos of Canadian Thanksgiving on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site.
7 comments:
ah, one more must-see library to add to my list.
There is so much to explore inside this great building.
One of these years we will have to check out the scene on the first day of spring or fall to see the shafts of light.
A wonderful picture! So many places to discover...
first time I've ever seen a library with so much glass--there should be a sign inside that says "no rocks allowed".
Any haven for books is plain BEAUTIFUL!
lovely capture!
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