Section D · Page 8
The University Daily Kansan
Monday, August 17, 1998
Library architects plans focused on history
Campus buildings speak volumes about two eras
By Duane Wagler
Kansan staff writer
Watson Library stands in the center of campus. The building is an example of the monumental approach to library architecture, featuring thick walls with high-set windows. Photo by Joseph Griffin/KANSAN.
Hamid Mohtashemipour finds the atmosphere at Watson Library gloomy.
it's just dark and dreary — the kind of place you fall asleep," the Leawood junior said. She prefers to study at Anschutz Science Library, where she said the atmosphere is better.
Study atmosphere has concerned academic library builders since the first century B.C. Vitruvius, a Roman architect and engineer, advised that library rooms faced east so scholars could have the benefit of the morning sun as they bent over their scrolls.
More than 2,000 years later, architects still were trying to perfect library designs for students. This century has seen two distinct library architecture styles, and University of Kansas students can see both of them represented in Watson Library and Anschutz Science Library.
Watson Library, built in 1924, is an example of the monumental approach to library architecture dominant in the first part of the century. Alvin Toffler, in his essay Libraries, describes the monumental style as emphasizing thick, immovable walls with highest windows allowing sunshine to filter into the building. The efficient use of space often was dismissed in favor of wide stairwells, huge concrete columns, woof
shelving and claustrophobic stacks.
Monumental libraries were meant to evoke a sense of awe and respect, not unlike walking into a cathedral. Stephen Grabow, professor of architecture, appreciates such libraries.
"I have no problems with libraries looking monumental," he said. "I think that's a reasonable interpretation of their function, which is the storage of the knowledge of civilization."
"It seems to be more of a traditional library setting," he said.
Preston Barnes, Lawrence junior, likes the venerable feel of Watson. He said that he occasionally studied at Anschutz but preferred the atmosphere in Watson.
The 1940s brought a change in library design that remains to this day. The emphasis changed from monumental to modular, with greater flexibility to allow for openness and to provide for new technology. A floor plan largely devoid of interior walls became the standard library design. Built in 1989, Anschutz Library is an example of the modular design.
Lindsey Chalfant, Topeka sophomore, said she preferred the newer design of Anschutz to Watson.
so.
"It's brighter," she said as she sat studying at Anschutz. "It seems more open."
Jim Ranz was dean of libraries at the time of Anschutz's construction. Facilities such as stairwells, restrooms and elevators purposely were moved out of the main flow of traffic in Anschutz, he said.
"The main difference is we got
all the fixed facilities out of the heart of the building," he said.
William J. Crowe, current dean of libraries, said he thought that Anschutz's design worked logically and was efficient and flexible.
"You know where you are in
Anschutz Library follows a more modern line of architecture. Its modular design allows for more openness and provides for more technology. Phot by Joseph Griffin/KANSAN.
that building instinctively, if you have any experience in academic life," he said. "You walk in the door; you can see the circulation desk; you can see the reference desk; you can see the elevator; you can get a sense of the stacks and copying. It's very logically laid out from a user's perspective."
Anschutz had more flexibility for the user, said Channette Kirby, a Watson library assistant who had worked at both libraries.
"There's not nearly the choice that you have in Anschutz of different sizes whether it's huge study rooms, or just one-person seating," she said. "If you're doing classes here in Watson, it's hard to find a space big enough that you're not intruding on other people."
Although several renovations at Watson — the most recent completed in 1982 — have dissolved some of its monumental aspects, the stacks continue to present their own charm — or confusion, some would say. Architecture professor Grabow said he liked the atmosphere in the stacks.
"You get the feeling that you're hunting for something and when you find it, there's this great satisfaction," he said. "You've gone down to the catacombs."
Ryan David, Independence junior, said he preferred the nooks and crannies of the Watson stacks for marathon studying.
"I have no problems with libraries looking monumental. I think that's a reasonable interpretation of their function, which as the storage of the knowledge of civilization."
"Last night I studied in the stacks for four hours. It's better for long-term studying," he said.
Stephen Grabow Professor of architecture
Not all the Watson reviews are so sanguine. Lily Lewis, Blue Springs, Mo., sophomore, associates Watson's stacks with confusion.
Debbie Bhaduri, Topeka sophmore, also liked the isolation. "You can go hide there and study undisturbed," she said.
"I got lost there my freshman year, and it was kind of scary," she said.
Kirby said the Watson stacks, which sat on eight levels in the five-story library, can bewilder the uninitiated.
"It's a very confusing system where you have to turn corners and go down a few steps," she said. "It's a very easy place to get lost."
Despite its idiosyncrasies, Watson still draws people with its sense of tradition. Kirby said that the monumental architecture in Watson summoned forth a sense of warmth not found in the metal
and stone of Anschutz.
"When you dream of having your perfect study in your home, you're thinking of rich wood texture and shelving," she said. "We have wood shelving still left in reference. There is more of a warm quality once you're in the building."
Kirby said that Watson exuded a sense of history that came with an older building.
"Even though it can be pretty overpowering and big in the beginning, I think it does develop for people a sense of place," she said.
Crowe agrees. "If you talk to older alumni now, there's a great affection for buildings like Watson," he said.
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Students should appreciate the variety in library architecture. Crowe said.
"We're fortunate on this campus to have good examples of high 1920s library architecture and high 1980s library architecture," he said. "Students can choose."
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