Libraries are no longer simply storage facilities for books. In the last decade they have expanded beyond their physical structures to become multimedia portals, through which entire communities gain access to new methods of research, communication and entertainment. Architects worldwide have responded to this developing need, balancing lively and functional interior spaces and distinctive facades, marking out these buildings as points of access to a modern world, with spaces that continue to promote the reading of books in a calm, focused environment. This volume from the Masterpieces series presents outstanding examples of revolutions in library design and renovation, an architectural challenge to strike the finest balance between functionality and aesthetics. From the contents: Amsterdam University Library, The Netherlands (Studio Roelof Mulder and Bureau Ira Koers) Philological Library, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany (Foster & Partners) André Malraux Library in Strasbourg, France (Jean-Marc Ibos and Myrto Vitart) The Consortium Library, University of Alaska, USA (RIM Architects) Francis Martin Library in New York, USA (1100 Architects).
