MANHATTAN LIBRARY
A library is composed of an intricate choreography of conflict between unconsciousness and consciousness, occurring within the individual, yet accumulating to reveal the spirit of the collective community which the library serves; it is an analog barometer of collective consciousness.
It begins with a collection of nothing and accumulates based on member request. The Dewey Decimal System is broken into 6 main collections based on intellectual zones of conflict: GOD, SELF, NATURE, TECHNOLOGY, ART, SOCIETY. Each collection is given equal space in the library, and difference between them registers through density.
It pulses with activation of knowledge and remains current, cleansing itself of atrophied matter: if a book is not checked out or used for 5 years, it is moved to the exterior membrane. Here it is open to the elements, where it is degraded by rain and wind, leaving behind its ink and melting down into the base as pulp through a series of structural pipes. Here the corporeal processes of bookmaking occur. The knowledge which has atrophied is not ossified, but is reincarnated as a new active member of consciousness.
The sanctity of the intellect is often conceived of through a lens of dissociation from the corporeal. The library, a sanctuary for the collective intellect and imagination, is only manifest through corporeal processes which are synchronistically expressed in the architecture.
PHILOSOPHY
STYLE
Many aesthetic influences converge in ATMO's style: the geometry of the Art Deco style, the elongated lines and curves of Gothic architecture, the raw texture of natural materials, and the neon lights of Las Vegas. We find inspiration everywhere. However, we always design by beginning with the client's personal style and the context of the site, so no two projects will be the same. If you are particularly drawn to a certain style of architecture, let us know so we can elevate those characteristics in your project.
ATMO is the Greek root of atmosphere, a word that evokes the distinctive yet intangible quality of space we all experience in spaces that activate our senses and our connection to nature.
Our practice is grounded in the following beliefs:
-
Architecture affects people mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually and can support human well-being.
-
Architecture is the synthesis of aesthetic expression, sensitivity to context, and the sensory experience of space.
-
Architecture can facilitate a human connection to nature.
TEXTURE
Texture is necessary for visual comfort and general sanity. The human eye evolved in nature, and people usually feel the most comfortable in spaces with enough visual complexity to stimulate their senses without overwhelming them. This balance can be achieved through using a variety of textured materials, patterns, and shapes that resonate specifically with the client.
NATURE
Sustainability begins with the human connection to nature, and sustainable design techniques should enhance and support this connection. When we are connected to nature, our instinct is to live in harmony with it. To this end, we use a variety of design techniques to facilitate this connection by optimizing views, incorporating plant life into the space, and using minimally processed natural materials.
