 |
| Photo from Crane Library Website |
In 2007 the American Institute of Architects and Harris Interactive embarked on a public poll to determine the 150 best loved building in America as a way to celebrate their 150th Anniversary. It is absolutely no surprise the The Thomas Crane Memorial Library in Quincy, MA was number 43. Trinity Church ranks 25 which gives H.H. Richardson two building in the top 50. It’s particularly interesting to look at the other winners, they are mostly grandiose structures, built on a monumental scale (Sears Tower, Washington Monument, St. Patrick’s Cathedral), the Crane Library is tucked away between them like a little brother tagging along with the big kids. The only other library higher on the list is The Library of Congress! I can’t believe it took me so long to discover this gem. The more I learn, the less I know.
When the poll was conducted, the AIA asked people to choose buildings that symbolized innovation and the spirit of their community (or country). But they also were looking for structures that held a special place in people’s hearts and minds. That is what strikes me with all of Richardson’s libraries - they are warm and inviting yet also convey security and stability with their beauty. They are crafted from gorgeous organic materials in a simple but decorative way - Richardson’s talent is overwhelming. In Quincy he had a little help from Frederick Law Olmsted (Central Park) who designed the grounds and the artist John Lafarge who contributed three stained glass windows.
Richardson’s genius is the problem for those who come in his wake, especially for those who are charged with expanding his masterpiece. CBT (Childs Bertman Tseckares Inc.) designed a $16 million addition to the library that doubled the existing space, created a soaring atrium and added essential circulation and reference areas. But even CBT architect Richard Bertman admits that “ you can’t buy the kind of ornamentation and sculpture that grace both the original H.H. Richardson library building or the 1939 addition known as the Coletti building.” The library has actually expanded not once but four times in the last 120 years - and with good reason; it has the second largest collection in Massachusetts after the Boston Public Library. CBT also took care of renovating and restoring the existing buildings - get a towel because you will drool over the pictures of the interior. The old and new Crane Library compliment each other (like the ultimate Reese’s PB Cup) to offer the residents of Quincy a spacious, remarkable haven for learning, sharing and thinking. They are prepared to move into the future without forgetting the past.
When the poll was conducted, the AIA asked people to choose buildings that symbolized innovation and the spirit of their community (or country). But they also were looking for structures that held a special place in people’s hearts and minds. That is what strikes me with all of Richardson’s libraries - they are warm and inviting yet also convey security and stability with their beauty. They are crafted from gorgeous organic materials in a simple but decorative way - Richardson’s talent is overwhelming. In Quincy he had a little help from Frederick Law Olmsted (Central Park) who designed the grounds and the artist John Lafarge who contributed three stained glass windows.
Richardson’s genius is the problem for those who come in his wake, especially for those who are charged with expanding his masterpiece. CBT (Childs Bertman Tseckares Inc.) designed a $16 million addition to the library that doubled the existing space, created a soaring atrium and added essential circulation and reference areas. But even CBT architect Richard Bertman admits that “ you can’t buy the kind of ornamentation and sculpture that grace both the original H.H. Richardson library building or the 1939 addition known as the Coletti building.” The library has actually expanded not once but four times in the last 120 years - and with good reason; it has the second largest collection in Massachusetts after the Boston Public Library. CBT also took care of renovating and restoring the existing buildings - get a towel because you will drool over the pictures of the interior. The old and new Crane Library compliment each other (like the ultimate Reese’s PB Cup) to offer the residents of Quincy a spacious, remarkable haven for learning, sharing and thinking. They are prepared to move into the future without forgetting the past.
No comments:
Post a Comment