THE CONCEPT

Concrete beams span 30 inches on center and stack in opposite directions, mirroring the height of Cleo’s parapet wall, acting as the box’s thick roof. Light Box attaches at the mezzanine level where Pei’s one original skylight teases the possibility of lightness, guiding visitors from the depths of the library through the oasis of cool light and finally through a compressed corridor and into a pool of warm, even light that comes from the inverse of the 30x30 inch coffers, now hallowed.The eastern terrace, which in recent years has been sorely underutilized, now becomes an interior, alleviating atrium. The Columbus Archives now has a new home on the main level overlooking the atrium which doubles as a gallery where the community can interact with the architecture, archives, and art on an elevated level.

Process Sketches and Models