book shelf building

     The Library of Kansas City, which was founded in 1873, presents an architectural structure that reflects its function - is unique building of this kind in the world - "The Community Bookshelf" is a striking feature of city's downtown. It runs along the south wall of the Central Library's parking garage on 10th Street between Wyandotte Street and Baltimore Avenue. The book spines, which measure approximately 25 feet by 9 feet, are made of aluminum with applied large format graphics . The shelf showcases 22 titles reflecting a wide variety of reading interests as suggested by Kansas City readers and then selected by The Kansas City Public Library Board of Trustees.

     Among the titles selected are "Cien Anos de Soledad" (100 Years of Solitude) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "The Republic" by Plato, "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens etc.. and Children's Stories like "Winnie the Pooh" by A. A. Milne or "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum

     The project was realized by Dimensional Innovations. It has won multiple awards; including an SEGD Award and an IDEA award. 

      This is an amazing attraction for a city. This building is an example of 'apparent function', where the form follows function. This building is very interesting to me because of my attraction to books. I'm a firm believer in preserving books and libraries. Everything doesn't have to run on electricity.