The Atlanta Library (Downtown) (new home, living, garages)

[MDAC26]

Recently, I visited the Atlanta library with a friend who wanted someone to help guide him around in Downtown. I had not been at that branch since 01 or 02 (roughly a decade prior). Talk about night and day from what I had seen then and now.

It has been renovated on the inside and looks modern. I think the last time I was there, they had that crappy carpet.

Years ago, it seemed vagrants had caused problems for the library, which was why I did not want to return there. I recalled that I had smelled urine in areas that were not in the bathrooms. It was very dated and depressing. I think the security is tighter now, where they cannot get in as easily. I think this is probably a post 9/11 set up as a precaution as it is at many government buildings.

Anyways, the place was inviting.

If you are big library person, do yourself a favor and visit the main Atlanta branch. It is overall an improvement for Downtown Atlanta.

[StAubin]

It is nice on the inside. It is possibly one of the ugliest buildings in the world on the outside.

I would like to see a new modern library built on the site of the parking deck south of woodrif park.

[ATL Urbanist]

I hesitate to say it because I'm so much in the minority on the issue -- but I really appreciate the central library building's architecture. It's of a modernist style that doesn't appeal to a wide group of people obviously, but it's a significant work by a significant architect (Marcel Breuer) and we're lucky to have it in Atlanta.

One of the things I love about living downtown -- and we're just a couple of blocks south of this library -- is the incredible mix of architectural styles on display from Beau Arts finery to the monolithic bank-style skyscrapers. I think it's cool to have a good representative from this modernist period in the mix.

[koko339]

Urbanist I'm totally with you on this one. Brutalism isn't everyone's cup of tea, but at least it's got some conviction, unlike 90% of the bland crap that gets built these days. Plus, Breuer was a very important designer. Part of the reason it's not 100% successful is that it's surrounded by parking garages that look somewhat like it. More contrast would have made been helpful.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by koko339

Part of the reason it's not 100% successful is that it's surrounded by parking garages that look somewhat like it. More contrast would have made been helpful.

I agree with that 100%. If the building was sitting up on a hill or out in some interesting greenspace it might be okay. But sticking it on that corner surrounded by parking garages does not a happy Brutalist setting make.

[residinghere2007]

I also love the architecture of the central library. It would stand to be in a different setting, that way it would be more striking and I do believe people would appreciate the architecture more.

[StAubin]

Thats why like the idea of a new library across the street from woodruff park. but we could use the current building for another purpose.

[ATL Urbanist]

I think it's reasonable to propose a different use for the Breuer building and a new home for the central library. But funding being what it is now, I don't see that project for a new library building going forward for several years since the recession has hit library funding hard.

My guess is that we're more likely to see funding in place for an upgrade of the interior of the current building. Atlanta-Fulton library system director John Szabo has been quoted as leaning toward that plan in this economy.

[SW30303]

I personally never liked the architecture style of the downtown library. Thanks for sharing what you guys know about its architectural significance. Maybe I can go by there again sometime soon.

[koko339]

Originally Posted by ATL Urbanist

I think it's reasonable to propose a different use for the Breuer building and a new home for the central library. But funding being what it is now, I don't see that project for a new library building going forward for several years since the recession has hit library funding hard.

My guess is that we're more likely to see funding in place for an upgrade of the interior of the current building. Atlanta-Fulton library system director John Szabo has been quoted as leaning toward that plan in this economy.

That's the good thing about economic downturns. They tend to preserve rather than destroy .