Its tower rises 8 stories to a height of 110 ft (33.5 m)-the five upper stories of the tower house collections, individual study space, and group study rooms. Within its two subterranean levels are the other library sections as well as study spaces and computer labs. In keeping with the original master plan, these are deliberately designed to be subordinated to the existing library’s strong, geometrical form. It was envisioned that future additions to the original building would form terraced levels around the tower base descending into the canyon. This change of material presented an opportunity for a more sculptural design. Pereira originally conceived a steel-framed building, but this was changed to reinforced concrete to save on construction and maintenance costs. William Pereira & Associates prepared a detailed report in 1969. The design is full of energy as the changing façade varies from level to level and side to side. The building gets its brutalist label from the raw concrete piers that support the building, angle, and extent outwards. Built as part of the University of San Diego’s library system, the building has been described as hands holding a stack of books. The distinctive original building was designed in the late 1960s by William Pereira to sit at the canyon’s head. The Geisel’s were long-time residents of La Jolla, where UC San Diego is located. Seuss) for the generous contributions to the library and their devotion to improving literacy. The Geisel Library is named in honor of Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel (better known as Dr.
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