Day-lighting throughout the building is one of the most important sustainable features for the West Berkeley Library. It is also the principal generator of a sense of well-being and delight within the space. Building parts that enhance the effect of natural light are used to form a strong spatial character. The skylight slots in the ceiling exemplify this: light-reflecting ceiling panels are angled to amplify the bouncing and diffusing effect of the incoming light while simultaneously forming large coffered volumes that cross the space to give these natural light elements a monumental appearance.
Photo © David Wakely, courtesy of Berkeley Public Library
