Library Design: Mini Libraries Go Outside the Box

levinski library

For those who love to read, libraries engender an excited reverence, which is why it's a relief to bibliophiles everywhere to know that libraries are not an endangered species. However, with the advent of modern technology and the internet, smart library design is more crucial than ever. Contemporary library design must accommodate the specific needs of … [Read more...]

Endangered Design Species: Is the Reference Library Obsolete?

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Think of a reference library, and what comes to mind? For most people the term evokes hushed silence, dusty stacks, and above all, orderliness. One thing most of us don't associate with libraries is cutting-edge design and technology. When it comes to library design, architects must consider the flow of traffic from reference desks to the stacks, study … [Read more...]

Contemporary Meets Timeless in Religious Architecture

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Religious architecture is a special design niche, and designing a church, temple, synagogue, or mosque carries plenty of challenges not found in most other projects. Ideally, these buildings must strike a chord in people from multiple backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. They must simultaneously provide a sense of connection with the spiritual and with … [Read more...]

“Not All Modern Buildings Are Bad”

Hunt Library – Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (1960).   Photo from Richard Yeager

In some circles, architect Richard Yeager, who is the Assistant Director of Planning and Design, Capital Projects Management at Boston College, is known as a lover of 1950's and 1960’s architecture. “Not all [modern] buildings are bad”, says Richard, “but many are past their original life expectancy. It is important to educate the relevant … [Read more...]

Pop Up Museum Highlights Boston Design

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There's an innovative new museum in town here in Boston, and it's shining a spotlight on the city's strong design community. If you're interested in visiting the museum, don't ask where it is- ask where it is right now. Design Museum Boston was founded three years ago by designers Sam Aquillano and Derek Cascio, who according to Architectural Record, … [Read more...]

Design for Glass Museum Expansion Released

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We love the understated design for the new addition to the Corning Museum of Glass featured in Architectural Record. Architect Thomas Phifer recently revealed his firm's design for the $64 million expansion, which is scheduled for completion by 2014. Founded in 1951 by Corning Glass Works and inspired by the Glass Center of the 1939 World's Fair, this … [Read more...]

It’s National Architecture Week!

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It's National Architecture Week! Starting yesterday and extending through April 14th, the American Institute of Architects is hosting National Architecture Week as a way to increase public appreciation of design and awareness of the important role architects can have in community development. The theme for this week-long event is "Design Connects"; … [Read more...]

Pixelated LEGO Interior

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What gives a space personality? Whether it's a color scheme, choice of material, juxtaposition of styles, or something altogether different, incorporating an unexpected element sets an architectural or design project apart. At our Boston architecture firm, we try to push the envelope and create spaces that encourage creativity, and we love seeing projects … [Read more...]

Workforce Housing: Then and Now

Cambridge-MA-Triple-Decker

We came across an interesting news item that got us thinking about workforce housing. The item discussed the recently opened Carrizo Springs Lodge in the Eagle Ford Shale formation of southeast Texas, created by Target Logistics (America's largest provider of turnkey workforce housing) to accommodate the growing need for oilfield workers in the area. The … [Read more...]

Universal Design for Wounded Soldiers

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With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there has been an increase in the number of wounded veterans, posing challenges in military housing. However, according to an intriguing report by NPR, the principles of universal design are making a difference in home design for these brave soldiers. At the Wounded Warrior Home on Virginia's Fort Belvoir, the … [Read more...]

Barcelona Sports Center

Barcelona-1

At Leslie Saul & Associates, we have worked on many institutional, religious, corporate, and academic architecture projects, and we know the importance of well-designed communal spaces. It's always nice to see public buildings that combine function with great design, and Alvaro Siza's Barcelona sports facility is a perfect example. The Llogregat Sports … [Read more...]