In the compelling words of Francis Bacon, he states, “There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion.” Such words are encouragement for architects to stray away from the structural norms and move forward while applying creativity to functional, yet elegant buildings. In Ten Books on Architecture, Vitruvius emphasizes on the practice of architecture, which established three predominant pillars for the validity of a building: soundness, utility, and attractiveness. Soundness, is the durability, stability, and security of a laid out foundation, that promises a lasting structure. Utility, is the capability of being serviceable, helpful and beneficial for those in the facility. Attractiveness, is the innovative appearance that pleasures the eyes and mind. Such beauty that creates a pleasing attainment of design upon arrival. These elements must accommodate one another to develop a successful relationship between public external space and personal interior space. On the street of Roosevelt way, lies a local University Branch library, with parking spaces along both sides, a bike rack on the right side near the entrance and a crosswalk at the traffic light to ensure a parking area for those who have come with different ways of transportation.
This demonstrates Vitruvius’ utility element in architecture. The exterior spaces of the library is cleverly laid out with two sets of large stairs leading up to the main entrance in the center. This forms an isolation between the busy streets and library. By erecting the building further away from the main road, yet still inviting, it will allow library goers to study or read without any disturbances. Inside, consists of three major spaces, the customer service desk which is aligned with the entrance and the division of study spaces on both the left and the right side. The studying and reading areas are designated where radiant lighting is most favorable to them. From elevation, the series of large windows on the exterior are evenly distributed symmetrically to ensure light is illuminating into the interior. As one walks in, the information desk is available for questions, check in, or check out. In addition, the space behind the information desk is used for self check out, making it easy, accessible for all. The choice of material is one of the major aspects proposed by Vitruvius. Materials chosen in a particular composition accentuates the color, light, structure, and most importantly, the building as a whole. When selecting materials, many questions presents itself. How durable, how stable, and how much? All response have to be carefully answered in which will appease all audiences. The essential constituent of the library is concrete, a harden stone-like material. University Branch does not follow the typical library scheme of brick exterior. It is entirely built of concrete to ensure longevity, formability, and transport. However, the stairs that leads up to the elevated building is made of cement with red tiled flooring in the center as a decorative motif. Attractiveness is the last component that completes a successful building. The library is simple yet has intricate details in areas that are notably obvious. For example, the entrance of the library from afar may appear bland and a bit boring. But to see the detailing element eye to eye, it’s not so simple after all. The impressive carvings above the arch creates simplicity beauty that is only seen up close, to those that appreciates design. Sometimes, a building that is excessively elaborate makes it eye catching for its unattractiveness, not because it’s “elegant.” In this case, less is always more. All the above factors achieves the Vitruvius’ principles, but also the publics’. As a large community of Seattle, the location of University Branch is convenient for people that inhabits nearby, offers students a comfortably quiet place to study, and attracts pedestrians to maybe stop by and pick up a book. The library that has a wide range collection of resources and services, that is located in an expedient environment, provides the social needs as well as stylistic expectations.