Simplicity Is Not Merely The Absence Of Complexity

Simplicity Is Not Merely The Absence Of Complexity: A post by Steven Bell over on the Designing Better Libraries Blog. Steven asks “How do we resolve the need for complexity with the desire for simplicity? I don’t quite have the answer, but I do like to read about this issue as it helps to better understand the issues.”

August 8, 2007 by Uncategorized 1

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1 Response

  1. Lee Hadden says:
    August 9, 2007 at 1:39 am

    Libraries and Architects
    There are some astounding examples of poor library design by architects who don’t understand libraries. Back in 2001 there was an account of a library in England where the stacks had to be disassembled before a scaffolding could be put up to change the lightbulbs. The architect got an award for his design, before it was found out how poorly the library was designed.
            My account at LIBREF-L said:
              According to a posting at LISNEWS (www.lisnews.com), the new library
    at Peckham, in London, England, which has won awards for new library
    designs, will close down for five days simply to change the lightbulbs. The
    lightbulbs are so high up in the ceiling, that platforms will have to be
    erected so electricians will be able to reach the 300 or so lightbulbs.
    Books and shelves will have to be temporarily moved to make room for the
    platforms, and this will mean the library will be closed for five days
    every six or seven months or so.
              The architect, Will Alsop, was at one time abusively critical of people who had traditional ideas about library designs, and didn’t want something new. The news account further says,
          “Mr Alsop, who says councils’ adherence to tradition stands in the way of modern building, launched his tirade after he won the £20,000 Stirling Prize for Architecture for the library… Mr Alsop was unavailable for comment about the library’s lights. “
            See: http://society.guardian.co.uk/localgovt/comment/0, ,421302,00.html

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