Geisel Library
William L. Pereira and Associates; Birkerts, Gunnar
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Alternative Title
Central University Library
Date
1969-1970Description
Base looking into the subterranean levels (Library Addition built by Gunnar Birkerts); The Geisel Library is the main library building on the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) campus. It is an eight-story concrete structure situated at the head of a canyon near the center of campus. The lower two stories form the pedestal for the six-story, stepped tower that has become a visual symbol for the University. The building is named in honor of Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss). The library first opened in 1970. It was simply called the Central Library until a renovation was completed in 1993, when it was rededicated as the University Library Building. It was renamed "Geisel Library" in 1995. The Library Addition, designed by Gunnar Birkerts in the early 1990s, was "deliberately designed to be subordinated to the strong, geometrical form of the existing library." A renovation was carried out at the same time. Source: Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (accessed 7/13/2012)
Type of Work
library (building)Subject
architecture, contemporary (1960 to present), Education, pilotis, Twentieth century, Brutalist
Rights
Rights Statement
Licensed for educational and research use by the MIT community only