NYPL on 53rd

John Hill
27. June 2016
The amphitheater with the laptop bar cut into the corrugated wall panels (All photographs by John Hill/World-Architects)

I'm typing this while seated on a Vitra Zeb Stool at the library's "laptop bar" overlooking the amphitheater, what promises to be a very popular spot. The NYPL CEO, Anthony Marx, is downstairs cutting the ribbon and welcoming patrons into the brand new space. It is the start of a full day of programs celebrating the opening of the system's 89th library.

Located at the base of the Baccarat Hotel & Residences, and across the street from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the library is a hidden gem, most of it found primarily below-grade. Yet with the tall amphitheater space illuminated by the clear-glass storefront, the library is anything but claustrophobic.

Below are some of my photos from a quick walk through the library this morning. Yet to best appreciate the tight fit of TEN Arquitectos/Enrique Norten's design, which had to contend with the core of the above hotel/residential tower, be sure to look closely at the building section. The new NYPL branch library is located at 18 West 53rd Street.

Building section of the three-story library that is primarily below-grade (Drawing: TEN Arquitectos)
The amphitheater seen through the glass wall of the vestibule
The amphitheater looking toward the storefront
The underside of the amphitheater is devoted to a children's library
The mezzanine overlooking the children's library
The library has various kinds of seating spaces throughout.
A community meeting room with orange felt walls seats 120 people.

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