Library team checks out composite column forms

摘要

Approximately 400 columns prominently displayed throughout the New Central Library exterior will be the visual focal apoint of the jewel of "Great Libraries of Minneapolis," a 10-year 166 million dollars public/private capital improvement partnership program instituted to upgrade all Minneapolis Public Libraries by 2010. Designed by American Institute of Architects Gold Medal-winning architectural firm Cesar Pelli & Associates, the six-level New Central Library, covering two-blocks and 400,000 sq. ft., incorporates aesthetic features key to its design and construction specifications. Accordingly, the structure's concrete columns (featuring capitals) must have a minimum number of visible bug holes and seams or joints. Construction on the landmark building, slated to replace the nearly 100-year-old Minneapolis Central Library, began in 2003 and is scheduled for completion in 2006.