About this artwork
David Chipperfield’s public library design was commissioned as an important part of the civic regeneration strategy of Des Moines, Iowa, an important structure that would connect a new park district to the downtown business district. This linking function is expressed through the building’s shape and the important “gateway gallery” space on the ground floor, which creates a public route through the building, reinforcing its bridging character between the park and the city. Chipperfield chose a plan for the building with three lobes or wings to accommodate the public lobby areas, administrative offices, stacks, and reading areas. From a distance, the building appears to be a solid metal object, an illusion created by a hybrid cladding material composed of a copper mesh laminated between two layers of glass that serves to reflect sunlight, reduce cooling costs, and produce even light for reading.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Architecture and Design
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Artist
- David Chipperfield (Architect)
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Title
- Public Library of Des Moines, Iowa, Preliminary Design Sketch
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Place
- Des Moines (Building address)
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Date
- 2002
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Medium
- Ink on tracing paper
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Dimensions
- 29.9 × 40 cm (11 3/4 × 15 3/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of David Chipperfield
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Reference Number
- 2004.713.2
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
