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The Library’s organization is symbiotic with the artificial geography of the Los Angeles River and the existing concrete pylons. The introduction of a steel structure into a concrete context enables the structure to sit between the existing concrete pylons. This ballet of forces between steel and concrete promotes the Libraries vertical relationships with the existing pylons.
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In the Beginning of the 20th century, The Red Car Line spanned over the concrete pylons, once joining the sides of the River. Today, while there is no rail line, there are two parks on each side of the river. The Library of The Four Ecologies aims to re-link this historical notion by rejoining the sides of the river. Circulation ramps pass through each tower’s core forming a continuity of reading spaces in the form of outdoor gardens.
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The Library desires to be reclaimed by the natural landscape. Each tower represents a specific ecology found within the LA River: Flora, Water, Fauna, and Geology. Each tower contains curated books specific to its ecology. Most importantly, the Library teaches through observation and demonstration. Each tower relies on one another in order to function in the same way that the Los Angeles River relies on the four ecologies. The Library of the 4 ecologies provides spaces where these essential relationships can be demonstrated and made tangible.
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For example, Water Tower acts as a type of circulatory system that recycles existing water found in the river by first filtering it and then distributing the water to the south facade where the majority of the outdoor vegetation grows. The movement of water can be tracked from one ecology to another to learn how plants are irrigated.
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Fauna Tower provides views catered to bird watching. Attracted by water and flora, the Library provides a great home to many bird species. Armed with binoculars, various balcony levels are positioned to capture low-flying or high-flying birds along the Los Angeles River.
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The third ecology- Geology Tower teaches the importance of geology's relationship to the river. Rocks, similar to those used to slow the flow of water in the river below are scattered throughout the towers shifting stratified volumes. These rocks are specific to the Los Angeles region and change in mineral type as one ascends the tower's "strata."
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