PHILIPS EXETER LIBRARY: ANALYSIS & TRANSFORMATION

In this project, I analysed the design of Louis Khan's Philips Exeter Academy Library. My focus was primarily on his strategic use of light and incorporating an atrium that amplifies and accentuates the quality and quantity of light travelling through the structure. 

For the transformation model, the words “Amplify” and “Carve” were used to change the appearance and movement of light through the spaces. The central atrium was amplified to the exterior facade to create a similar but opposite effect when coming into contact with light. During the day, light is pulled into the spaces, and during the night, light is pushed out of the facade. Finally, the word carve was used to create parametric designs around the facade and remove a small quadrant from one of the corners of the building so that people could see and feel the magnitude of the atrium inside and outside.