Responding to the notion of public presence and identity, the initiative became to reintroduce and redefine the idea of a Grand Reading Hall. In one sense,

technology reshapes the appearance of a reading hall through introducing new ways of delivering information.

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Beyond physical books, infinite amounts of information can be passed through a web of data networks and delivered through various mediums of digital projection. The volume of information becomes extremely compressed. The overwhelming presence of book stacks is no longer valid in the experience and design of a reading hall. In turn, it becomes the presentation of data and information and the space in which that exchange occurs more influential towards the experience of the reading hall. The issue and presence of stored materials takes on a much smaller role within the entire volume for the reading space. The clues which typically express the library as a place of enlightenment, exchange, and public identity are changed with the influence of technology. Given this scenario, there is a necessity to create new means to recharge the space as a presentation of knowledge, and civic and cultural meaning.

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In finding new means to resolve the Great Reading Hall, a solution was found by mixing new and unique forms of architecture with classical systems of scale, and experiences of civic space. As the functioning of a library will continually respect the classical notions of its importance and necessity while enveloping new technologies into that formula, the design of its space and experience should respect that binding to classical thought as well. Through our own use of current technologies, the design evolved into a space that serves the civic scale of a library, yet invokes a unique sensation as it reaches beyond its classical identity.

.Using abstract forms, grand scales, and various diffusions of light, the intent is to express an engaging and is

.impressive yet comfortable space. The coupling of classical proportions with new expressions of form and light

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