On Ramps, Onramps

I’ve returned to the circle idea after grappling with trying different forms; there is something about the fluidity of movement through a round shape that I like for the site. I considered having the library double over itself so that people’s movement terminates at the reading room which is the highest and most silent part of the library. I would imagine the spaces move from more public and loud from the site and the ramp to more private/reflective and quiet at the reading room.

The site itself is organized so as to move people the way a road moves vehicles. As a largely transportation-based site I feel I want to draw attention and a sense of appreciation that we are able to move ourselves so freely from place to place. I basically designed the building structure as a people highway, so it is designed to move people like a freeway overpass. I think the looping movement is really elegant and the ramp becomes a really special way to enter the space.