splendid design

every once in a while i come across a building that simply takes my breath away. architecture is a huge part of my work and a beautiful, well designed building can easily steal my heart. today i came across one today that managed to make me sigh.

the University of Aberdeen library in Scotland is so lovely and well thought out. from the detailed window panels that resemble books, to the offset elliptical heliostat-like staircase, the building is a work of art. simple in shape (it's a cube for crying out loud!) but complex in detail, this is the kind of building that makes my list of "must-see architecture".

tell me that's not gorgeous! sigh... i know, you can't.

this building is also quite sustainable with solar panels on the roof, a water recycling system, the use of daylight throughout, and a traffic plan that encourages cycling and buses to access the building. it just keeps getting better.

this masterpiece was designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and construction was completed in 2011. all images from shla website.