As I was touring the Providence Public Library yesterday, one of the things that struck me as I was admiring the vaulted ceilings and ornate trim in the space was how this space had many characteristics of a palace, and yet its purpose was very different from most of the palaces that we have studied over the past months. The architecture of the part that was not under construction was awe-inspiring but unlike many other palaces,
the space’s purpose is not to inspire awe in a ruler or spiritual being, rather the library is a space to hold knowledge and celebrate culture. This was a space for the public to inhabit. The purpose of this space was further solidified during the hard hat tour where our guide explained the many ways that they were modifying the space so that it was more enjoyable for the public, such as creating larger, open spaces, raising the ceilings, making spaces for children and teens, even adding a wine bar. The purpose of the Providence Public Library is in many ways similar that of the Palace of Zakros that
I am examining for my final project. In determining the purpose of spaces within the palace, it has been said that “Communal dining, and public communication and decision-making, are more consistent with the architecture of the palace and they layout of the town than elite exploitation and control” (Reid 2007, 32). The Palace of Zakros is thought to house space, not for one all-powerful ruler, but rather a more communal one for the people in the area where decisions regarding the region of Eastern Minoan Crete. The Providence Public Library is a useful modern example of a palace-like space for the use of the general public and is an interesting parallel to the Palace of Zakros.
Bibliography:
Reid, J. (2007) Minoan Kato Zakro a Pastoral Economy. Tempus Reparatum
That’s very interesting, how the public library’s use of space is parallel to how the Palace of Zakros may have been used. I wonder how the layout at this palace compares to ones that are more centered on the ruler: for example, are spaces larger and more accessible? We haven’t talked a lot about the comfort and enjoyment of visitors (although the mention of whitewashed walls in bright sunlight comes to mind–the opposite of comfortable); I’d also be curious about whether the Palace of Zakros is planned out in a way to increase the enjoyment of the public, like the current renovations of the library are.
Interesting observation about the PPL being awe-inspiring like other palaces but, unlike other palaces, awe-inspiring to celebrate culture and knowledge, instead of to promote a ruler or spirituality. Although it was clearly less polished and finished, I thought the area of the library under construction also awe-inspiring in a different kind of way. Despite the construction materials and exposed ceilings and walls, this area showcased the library’s vast open spaces (like the auditorium), high ceilings, views of Providence, and many shelves which support the building itself. This makes me think about how features of palatial architecture meant to inspire awe shift across all stages of a palace’s construction and work together in the end to wow visitors.