‘Architecture is the objectification of the values humans hold essential to living: these values are made concrete by building and using the structures that form our environment.’ MG Taylor 1995-2002
If Taylor is right in saying this, then why do we not assume that the needs of humans are, in necessity, the preparation for tomorrow. Global Warming is the single biggest threat to the human race and is essentially the outcome of ignorance applied over generations. Now have begun to see their impact on the world around us. As architects we have a responsibility to provide for the needs of today, without endangering the generations of tomorrow. This is a key aspect in the design of the library. As we now do not only hope to preserve the identity of the library in order to ensure its place in the future, but also preserve our own place in the future. Passive strategies that accommodate the elements usefulness rather than sheild them from us. We should engage and utilise them rather than waste their potential. Then we can start to move away from the toxic, industrial sources of power and move towards a greener world.
Here’s hoping.