BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY CENTRAL BUILDING.
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS TO THE ARCHITECT.
General. These suggestions are intended for the purpose of assisting the Architect in working out his plans, and in no way to hamper him. It is possible the Architect may find a different arrangement of rooms more suitable to the building which he plans, and while it is desirable that he conform as nearly as possible to the suggested arrangement it is not necessary to follow it closely.
Estimates. In submitting preliminary plans the approximate cost in the shape of estimate from at least three reputable builders should be given exclusive of heating, lighting, ventilation, book stacks and all fixed furniture.
Guides. The number of stories should include sub-basement, basement, and as many stories above the ground as will comport with the Memorial Arch and surrounding buildings, providing at the same time adequate capacity for the needs of a Central Library Building. Your attention is called to the report of the Consulting Architect, Prof. A. D. F. Hamlin to the Central Building Committee under date of March 25, 1905; and of the reports of Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., made to the Brooklyn League under date of October, 1905, and of Messrs. Carrere and Hastings to the Mayor of New York, under date of November, 1905, and the comparative table of accommodations of various library buildings as prepared by the Brooklyn Public Library. All these documents should be studied preliminary to the preparation of plans.
Requisites. Architectural effect should be subordinate to utility and convenience. Consideration should be given to the probabilities of extensions to the building.
The prime essentials for the library building are light and ventilation. The building should be lighted on all sides by natural light. Walls which face open courts should be of light colored material.
The building should be thoroughly fireproof.
The whole building is to be piped and wired for both gas and electric lighting.
The decoration of the reading rooms should be very simple.
Wall space should not be occupied by heating pipes.