Eleven storeys connected by a honeycomb structure in steel and glass, halls flooded with natural light and maximum attention given to sustainability. At the central library, designed by OMA in the centre of Seattle, everything is ready for the official opening set for 23 May. The library cost 165 million dollars and will hold 1.4 million books, and according to estimates should attract up to 8,000 visitors per day, double that of the old building. Inside are works of art by Gary Hill, Ann Hamilton and Tony Oursler, while landscape and interior designer Petra Blaisse has created the outdoor and the interior setting. E.S.

Opening 23.5.2004
Seattle Central Library
1000 Fourth Ave, Seattle
https://www.spl.org