Exeter Library

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

By Louis I Kahn New Hampshire 1965-1972

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Type | Context

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Type | Context

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Type | Context

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Type | Context

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Study elevation in mid-1966, castle-like massing elevation[3]. Drawn

by Kahn's associate.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.323 [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307 [1] McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.323 [2] McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307

Figure.2

Intermediate section in 10 november1966, showing semicircular brick arches and the primeters and the center. "Remind people of ancient Roman theathres and arenas."[4]

Type | Context

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Exter library locates in New Hampshire, about an hour's drive from Boston. lower image shows how the library fit in the fabric of the campus. Almost parallel to the adjecent buildings.

[1] Google Map [2] Ibid

Figure.2

Context | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Enter from norh side and the dinning hall is adjecent to the library.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.322 [2] Google Street View

Context | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.2

Figure.1

View taken from Northeast during different seasons.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.322 [2] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan [3] Photo Credit: http://mapio.net/a/10982131/?page=3

Figure.3

Context | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Then we wander to the Northwest corner of the library

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.322 [2] Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/erblin-bucaliu/5064432686

Figure.2

Context | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Then Southwest side of the library, you can start to see the dinning hall building on the lower right side.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.322 [2] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Figure.2

Context | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Getting close the the west facade of the dinning hall Figure.2

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.322 [2] Photo Credit: https://architecturefarm.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/dining-hall-ext.jpg

Context | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.2 Figure.1

On the opppsite of the design idea of the library, putting the void in the middle and having reading areas at the perimeter. The dinning hall is having the public at outer side of the building.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.322 [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.320 [3] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.323

Figure.3

Context | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The perimeter of the ground floor is out semi-outdoor space. The building few much more lighter by having the voids on the ground floor, the corners and the top.

The arcades around the ground floor starts to creates a flow. You can enter the building from any side of the building and then go the the real entrance.

[1] Photo Credit: https://www.exeter.edu/media [2] Photo Credit: LIn Li [3] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [4] Photo Credit: LIn Li

Figure.3 Figure.4

Context | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The position of the walls and the pavement at the corner creates a feeling of stationary at every turing.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: LIn Li

Figure.2

Context | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.3

Figure.1

Figure.2

The Travertine covered grand staircase at the entrance induce s people to go up to the main public space at the second floor.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: LIn Li [3] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The ground floor periodical reading space. The void of the arcades allow natural light coming into the reading space.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: LIn Li

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The distribution of the interior spatial hierarchy of the ground floor and basement floor

Public Semi-Public Semi-Private Private Service

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Ibid

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The main public floor on second floor. People be able to perceive the feeling of surrounded by books.[3]

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: Carol M. Highsmith [3] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.322

Figure.2

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2 [1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307 [3] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.315

Figure.3

Natural light comes into the building from the top of the central space Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The way to get to higher levels is hiding behind the concrete pier. But the light gives a hint. you can also see the mezenine level is highlighted by the wood panel.

Figure.2

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.3

Figure.1

There are two set of staircase go up the the higher levels. One on the North west corner. One on the Southeast corner. mezennine stairs

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan [3] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.317

Figure.2

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Standing at the Southeast corner of the mezennine level looking out.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.2

The stack space and stuff offices on the third mezennine level.

Figure.1

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: Lin Li [3] Photo Credit: Lin Li

Figure.3

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The staircase locates at the Northwest corner. The light that comes out of the corner illuminates the space and makes the concrete wall felt much lighter.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Figure.3

St jerome study. You can start to see how the larger spaces is dividing into small scales spaces and finally fits to the scale of people. The scale in the reading space is also nicely scale down from the larger window to the reading carrels. Reading carrels wrap around the building.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: http://lettere2.unive.it/caracciolo/40antonello_da_messina.htm [3] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The reading area is dominated by natural light.

Figure.3

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: http://lettere2.unive.it/caracciolo/40antonello_da_messina.htm [3] Photo Credit: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnjEHM1SgKc/TgCTxL5Np9I/AAAAAAAAAOM/X_QXzQWAsHo/s1600/Exeter.jpg

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The larger window works for the general space and the small window services the people in the carrel.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: http://lettere2.unive.it/caracciolo/40antonello_da_messina.htm [3] Photo Credit: Lin Li

Figure.3

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Standing at the 5 floor mezenine level, looking into the central public space.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.325 [2] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Surrounded by the books both physically and visually. The spaces where store the books are illuminated by fluorescent light to avoid the damage which sunlight brings.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.325 [2] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The double height reading spaces wrapping the perimeter extends the space . And the verticality of the space contrasts the compression of the space for book shelves.

Figure.2 [1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.325 [2] Photo Credit: https://peregrinenationdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/dscf4006.jpg [3] Photo Credit: Lin Li

Figure.3

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The spaces which are holding up the book shelves have more columns to support the floors contrasts the central public space on the second floor which has much less columns. The design of the structure not only fullfils the the loading requirement but also echos the spatial hierarchy.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.325 [2] Photo Credit: Lin Li

Figure.2

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The reading space on the North side has the larger windows for the reader. And the smaller window ialso has a golden setion ratio. This is also a hearth on the North side on the six floor.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.325 [2] Photo Credit: Lin Li

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.325 [2] Photo Credit: Lin Li

The window for the readers nicely frame out the view to outside.

Figure.2

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

The 7 mezennine level, The books enclosed the central public space. And the books are surrounded by reading areas.

Public Semi-Public Semi-Private Private Service

Figure.1

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.325

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.3

The special collection room on the eighth floor. The bookshelves are embedded into the concrete wall.

Figure.2 [1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307 [3] Photo Credit: http://www.archdaily.com/63683/ad-classics-exeter-library-class-of1945-library-louis-kahn/5037e17f28ba0d599b0001bb-ad-classics-exeter-library-classof-1945-library-louis-kahn-photo

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.3

The outdoor terrace on the eighth floor has the similarity with the arcades at the ground floor.

Figure.2 [1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307 [3] Photo Credit: http://enlacearquitectura.com/louis-kahns-exeter-library-un-libro-que-continuara-abierto/

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Public Semi-Public Semi-Private Private Figure.1

Service

North-South seciton

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307

Interior Spatial Hierarchy | Goal-Route

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The outter part of the building is using bricks to holding up itself and the inner part of the building uses concrete which will be able to carry more book loads. The deep X beam in the center helps to confront lateral load and holding the building together. It also subtly diffuse natural light into the central public space. This is also inspired by the Boullee's Library drawing, which has the a top-lit at the center of the room. [3] [1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307 [2] Photo Credit: Lin Li [3] McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.322

Figure.2

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The four piers help the building to transfer loads from the top to the ground.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307 [2] Photo Credit: http://theredlist.com/wiki-2-19-879-606-618-view-isadore-kahn-louis-1-profile-isadore-kahn-louisexeter-library-new-hamphire-usa.html

Figure.2

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The structure design also shares the spatial hierarchy. Kahn used more coulmns to support the book stack areas but only used the upturn beam and the truss to carry load at the public area.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307 [2] Photo Credit: Lin Li

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The structure design also shares the spatial hierarchy. Kahn used more coulmns to support the book stack areas but only used the upturn beam and the truss to carry load at the public area.

Figure.2 [1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307 [2] Photo Credit: Lin Li

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The ground floor plan

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

The diagram shows the brick reading space wraps around the concrete part for book storage.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Brick wrap up the concrete shows in section

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Two stories of book stacks belongs to on reading volume

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The diagram shows how natural light occupies the building.

[1] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.324 [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1 Figure.2

The brick columns get narrower and narrower as they go up since the load they are carrying gets lighter and lighter.

[1] Photo Credit: Illa Flaubert [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.307

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

As the columns get narrower, the windows get wider and wider as they go up.

[1] Photo Credit: Illa Flaubert [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.310

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

The brick arcades at the ground floor create the rythm of light and shadows.

And the texture of the bricks mimic the buildings of the ancient Rome. [3] [1] Photo Credit: Illa Flaubert [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.310 [3] McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.322

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.2

The wood texture suggests kind of detach the bookshelves from the central space.

Figure.1

[1] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan [2] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Kahn used wood material at the parts where people can touch the building.

[1] Photo Credit: Lin Li [2] Photo Credit: Lin Li

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Natural light illuminate the reading space.

[1] Photo Credit: https://peregrinenationdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/dscf4006.jpg [2] http://www.e-architect.co.uk/boston/exeter-library

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Figure.2

Natural light also comes into the central part of the building.

[1] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan [2] Photo Credit: McCarter, Louis I Kahn, p.315

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

Figure.1

Fluorescent lights are deploied at book stacks to prevent natural light damage the books.

[1] Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

PHILLIPS EXETER LIBRARY

How different programs come together based on different light sources.

[1] photo collage: Xiang Qiang

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

BATTERY PARK, NEW YORK

Type | Context

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Type | Context

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Geometry | Structure | Enclosure

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Experience | Connotaion

XIANG QIANG DONG YAN

MEMORIAL TO SIX MILLION JEWISH MARTYRS

Experience | Connotaion