The C.V. Starr East Asian Library rests in the “classical core” of the UC Berkeley campus. Tucked into the hillside and clad in white granite, this quiet box is layered with bronze screens, powerfully representing the building`s Asian mission. The screens unify the exterior while providing shade to the interior. Lit at night, they emerge as a golden veil, a glowing symbol of the building`s legacy in the heart of campus. The solid exterior contrasts the illuminated interior. The building`s core is open and bathed in natural light from a sculpted skylight. Stairs, cantilevered from a central, structural spine wall, rise through the space and bridges connect to stacks on either side of the atrium. Large windows create a relationship with the surrounding California landscape. Various materials bring color, warmth and texture to the interiors. The colorful and light filled space encourages the exploration of character language texts.
