Completed in 2003, the new Salt Lake City Central Library is one of the finest examples of civic architecture around. It was designed by Moshe Sofdie and has a rooftop garden that is accessed by a climbing wall. The roof top garden has phenomenal views of the city and surrounding mountains. Possibly my favorite feature however, is the fact that you can get coffee in the lobby. And not just the swill you get from Starbucks, but locally roasted coffee from the Salt Lake Roasting Company. I have yet to find better coffee. SLC. is not known for great architecture, but there is the occasional gem.
Check out Mr. safdies's website at http://www.msafdie.com/.
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Approaching the library from 2nd East St. A beautiful view of the plaza. You can see the climbing wall, leading to the rooftop garden in the background. |
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Views of the climbing wall and the structure that holds it up. Also views from the roof top garden. |
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Some interior views of the library. |
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The grand "avenue" and elevator of glass & stainless are impressive, but some of the details are what make this building so special. |
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The childrens' library with sun shades. Various views of the interior and exterior. |
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