Understanding the relationship between architecture and topography in spatial terms: The case of Seattle Central Library

This study aims to present the concept of topography as a multi-layered entity and an active given of the architectural design process. Different from the discussions on topography in architecture which reduce topography to its mere physical characteristics, this study’s theoretical framework redefines topography in figural and spatial layers and discusses how they are interpreted in the architectural design practice. To further investigate the insights in the theoretical framework, the case study method is instrumentalized via spatial analysis of the Seattle Central Library. The spatial analysis of the library involves figure ground map and public use diversity and access maps. Accordingly, the diagrammatic representation, the site plan and site section of the project are redrawn in the urban scale of 1:1000 and the building scale of 1:200. Consequently, the design of the Seattle Central Library presented hybrid spaces that are nurtured from connections to the spatial and figural layers of topography. The manipulation of the building envelope, the continuity of the ground floor line and programmatic flexibility of the library’s spaces were critical elements to integrate to the urban topography to create interstitial situations in connection to both figural and spatial layers.