Lewis Library images for the news media

Photo credit: Brian Wilson, Princeton University Office of Communications

Caption information: The new Lewis Library at Princeton University opens in time for the start of the academic year on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008. Designed by Frank Gehry, the multi-story, 87,000-square-foot science library combines many of the University's science collections and technology spaces, and also includes study, research and classroom space.

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Building exteriors:
The exterior of the building is composed of stainless steel, steel, clay brick, glass and stucco. For the roof, steel beams were individually made and then built into the curved shape. Gehry Partners used a material called Ziprib for the roofs and some of the walls. It's a standing seam metal roofing system that is normally used in industrial applications. Gehry Partners used this system with embossed stainless steel. The finish is intended to look like linen and to have a soft glowing appearance. The 2-inch tall ribs cast shadows across the surface and give a scale and texture to the façade. According to Frank Gehry, "There is a double reading of the elegance and refinement of the stainless steel and toughness of the industrial appearance."

100 level:
This level features the first floor entrance, an atrium, the main primary library reference area and two bowl classrooms. Off of the atrium, a large curved reception desk designed by Gehry is a primary feature in the main library. An area called "The Street" offers café seating and an entrance to the library, while study areas and seminar rooms feature colorful desk chairs. Another highlight is a star cut into the ceiling separating the 100 and 200 levels.

200 level:
The star that passes through the first floor is surrounded on this level by periodical shelves. Along the periphery of the building, seminar rooms that will host classes show how the structure narrows as it reaches the upper floors. Along the periphery of the building, seminar rooms that will host classes show how the structure narrows as it reaches the upper floors. Lights were installed to hang from a ceiling reaching almost 34 feet in the second-story "tree house," so named because the expansive, glass-enclosed room skims the tree line and looks out into neighboring tree tops.

400 level:
The 300 and 400 levels have some common features, including group study rooms. A large research and study area on the 400 level features gray tables and chairs designed by Gehry.

A level:
Below grade on the A level, the library hosts a room of compact stacks. This room connects to the current library in neighboring Fine Hall, which will be incorporated into the complex and known as the Lewis Library Fine Hall Wing.

Model:

Credit: Gehry Partners

Caption information: A model submitted to the University in 2005 conveyed the design. Rather than draw architectural plans, the architect used a modeling technique, coupled with computer software, to render the design.