The foyer of the library. Photo by Diane Borys
Local manufacturer A-Light Architectural Lighting provided custom-sized fixtures for the new entrance lighting. Diane pointed out that the curve of the fixtures is an essential aspect of the design concept, evident throughout the building's lights, carpeting, and details, matching the exterior's concrete curve. Kevin explained, “This curve increases the strength of the building's concrete, and we brought the geometry of the curve into the interior design.” Although it was challenging to find pendant lights with curved corners during the 2020 design, it is now a popular trend.
Light art installation at the entrance to the library. Photo by Randy Reid
The library at University of California San Diego (UCSD), known as the Geisel Library, was renamed in honor of Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, and his wife Audrey, who made significant donations to the facility. This iconic building, alongside the renowned Hotel del Coronado, is one of the most famous structures in San Diego and within the entire UC system. The library was originally designed by William Pereira, a wellknown architect whose signature style is recognizable in other famous structures such as the Transamerica Building in San Francisco and the floating restaurant at LAX. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Kevin deFreitas of Kevin deFreitas Architects, the architect and mastermind behind the redesign of the Geisel Library's lobby, and Diane Borys, Founding Principal of Noctiluca Lighting, who was responsible for the new lighting design. They walked me through the newly renovated building, highlighting the changes in the lighting design. I couldn't help but wonder if I would have fared better in my academic pursuits if libraries were as inviting and inspiring as this when I was a student.
ENTRANCE The Geisel Library, designed by Pereira in 1968, opened in 1970. While the entrance is iconic from the outside, the inside was originally small, with a low ceiling and basic carpeting. Fluorescent lights were installed, creating an unremarkable interior. The new light art in the entrance was crafted by the renowned Californian artist John Baldessari, who previously taught at the university. The piece reads, "Read, write, think, dream.” Additionally, Roy McMakin, another faculty member, contributed to the artwork by designing the accompanying benches. With the redesign, the light art in the entrance has now become one of the most Instagrammed places on campus.
The luminaires have a color temperature of 3500K and are fully dimmable, while the square 2-inch downlights in the main lobby are sourced from CSL and are visually appealing, especially in contrast to the previous 8 inch incandescents.
GENERAL LAYOUT The design of the library prioritized openness and accessibility in line with the ideals of open and democratic societies that share information. To achieve this, the carpet was removed and replaced with reflective flooring to create a brighter and more spacious environment. Walls were also removed to make the library as open and bright as possible. The redesign involved a timeless neutral pallet to let the colorful window art, rainbow wall mural and students themselves provide the color in the space. The transformation of libraries accelerated during the pandemic, and more collections are going digital. Consequently, the top floor's book stacks were removed and replaced with ultra-quiet study spaces. As you move down the floors, the study spaces become progressively louder, and the library's focus shifts towards meeting and collaboration spaces with facilities such as a GIS room and 3D printer room. The lighting design reinforces this programming and highlights the architecture.
INTEGRATED SERVICES AREA Moving on from the entrance, there are different sections off the lobby, including Geisel West and Geisel East, each with a distinct color at the entrance traced with a thin line of light creating a portal. Kevin humorously refers to these as “Tron lights,” which are used to draw people through the space by using color and light. One of the rooms off through one of these portals was like a time machine, transporting me back to the 1980s with its outdated design. The 1 x 4 fluorescent fixtures had multi-colored
designing lighting
53