Mount Angel Abbey library

What attracted Aalto in the assignment was the sharply sloping terrain, which allowed him to give full expression to his idea of the “book pit” which was a common theme in all his library designs. The library is one gigantic book pit that descends from the campus-level entrance to two fan-shaped landings. The lending desk at the center of the fan is surrounded by a curved clerestory skylight which provides shadowless light to the landings on three levels and to the connecting staircases. The books are in stacks radiating towards the periphery, lit by further skylights and strip windows placed high up in the curved, four-part façade. The main level features a lobby, various technical facilities and offices, a large auditorium with ibliquely placed tiers, and a room for rest and meditation – the only lookout spot with an extensive view. The older school buildings flanking the library are connected to it by a pergola.