CRPL will complement current aesthetics

Regarding Clay Fulknier's Jan. 11 letter about the new Cedar Rapids Public Library design:

I understand and share Fulknier's admiration for the historical and beautiful First Presbyterian Church and Cedar Rapids Museum of Art; these buildings are two treasures. I don't share his viewpoint that the new library design diminishes the grandeur along Greene Square Park. On the contrary, the new design or “two cereal boxes” provide the perfect complementary aesthetic. The clean lines and minimal plan make a bold statement without competing with the adjacent ornamentation.

As Bob Pasicznyuk, library director, notes in his Jan. 18 post (http://connect.crlibrary.org/2011/01/18/sustainability-and-our-new-downtown-library/#comments), the CRPL building design was created with goals for LEED certification providing for maximum energy efficiency. A key element in this design is the smart glass, which along with daylight control systems, can reduce electric light use 40 percent.

In addition, natural light provides a pleasant experience for patrons and the staff. The library, museum and church make different statements about how light is shaped for the mind, sight and soul from the 19th-21st centuries.

In any case, I respect anyone who advocates for aesthetic values whether I agree or disagree with their perspective.

Stephanie Sueppel

Iowa City