Phillips Exeter Academy Library, School library in Exeter, United States
Phillips Exeter Academy Library is a nine-story modern building organized around a central circular staircase that draws light down from the top. Each level houses portions of the collection, with reading spaces positioned strategically to take advantage of natural daylight filtering through the structure.
Renowned architect Louis Kahn designed this building, which opened in 1972 to replace an earlier facility with limited capacity. The new structure allowed the academy to house a significantly larger collection than its predecessor.
The library serves as the intellectual center of campus life, where students gather to study and connect with learning materials in a contemplative setting. The design itself encourages deep focus and reflection, making the space feel less like a building and more like a sanctuary for thought.
The library is centrally located on campus and easy to navigate, with the main desk on the ground floor ready to assist visitors. Allow time to wander through the levels and observe how the building channels natural light throughout the day.
The building stands out for having no traditional windows; instead, it uses geometric openings carved into brick walls to let light filter through in unexpected ways. This unconventional approach creates even illumination without harsh glare.
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