Designers and architects spend their time thinking about how to fit the form of a building to its function. So what happens when that function changes? In this episode of Design Now, we discuss designing libraries for a world in which books are often accessed remotely and knowledge sought via search engines rather than librarians. Francine Houben, John Ronan, and Joshua Ramus have all built acclaimed libraries—including the New York Public Library, the Independence Library and Apartments in Chicago, and the Seattle Central Library, respectively. Listen as they share their expertise on topics including the function of a library as a public space, the role of grandeur in their design, and the perennial question of how to plan for a space whose function will almost certainly evolve in ways we can’t yet imagine.
Featuring: Francine Houben, Joshua Ramus, John Ronan

Transcript coming soon
Show Notes
6:27 Seattle Public Library
15:07 Independence Library and Apartments in Chicago
18:31 New York Public Library
20:54 Seattle Public Library
24:50 Independence Library and Apartments in Chicago
28:33 Seattle Public Library
35:30 Tainan Public Library
37:25 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

About
The show is produced by Maggie Janik and hosted by Harriet Fitch Little. For inquiries or to be featured on an upcoming episode, email [email protected].

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