It was a good solution to study in more detail how the library would work on the North Block. And although I don't know the library's program, I would suggest three things need to happen. One is the library board needs to start thinking a little more outside of their box. Don't hold onto things just because the plan might not be going the way you had originally wanted. Hold onto them only if other solutions aren't workable, but make sure you keep an open eye to other more interesting solutions that don't necessarily compromise primary functions.
Secondly, does the library have to be a contiguous form of 5 stories that go up in the air above one another? Think more three dimensionally...Can the building go under or over the street? Can any major operations be paired with the cavernous space under the old Federal Reserve Building? Thirdly, I remember designing a large operations center and the head project manager for the client wanted a large impenetrable space to hold all of the computers. He said the space couldn't have any windows and the walls needed to be reinforced without access to adjoining spaces. We struggled to change the clients idea of the space, but did not prevail. When the building was built, computers had become so small, they no longer need all of that vast vault space. It was useless for anything else because there weren't windows or access to adjoining spaces. Ultimately the most expensive space in the building became storage - a real waste. I like to point out to clients that life changes very quickly around us and that a creative flexible space is very important. And in the end it will be a lot easier to change the inside of the building than to ever move it, if you place it on the wrong site. R u s s e l l W. P e t e r s o n Saint Michael, Minnesota [EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________________ "You can only fly if you stretch your wings." -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of List Manager Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2002 7:04 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] Lotsa city stuff today Library-site "train wreck" in tussle between council/mayor and library board? http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/1104398.html Minneapolis crime down for the year but up sharply after 9/11 http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/1104371.html Hidden beach not so hidden? Buck-naked becomes harder with less buckthorn... http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/1104501.html Sex, crime and books...your morning newspaper has it all... David Brauer List manager _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
