Planning
Three original presentation drawings of University Library
Cut paper, colored pencil, pen and ink, 1966, Quincy Jones & Frederick E. Emmons
The Jones Emmons partnership was one of California's most significant architectural collaborations in the 1950s and 1960s. Jones had previously worked with William Pereira and continued to consult for that firm and for the University of California as it was developing new campuses. These stunning drawings, with cut-paper overlays, illustrate a vision for the new La Jolla campus, with the Library at its center.
Early drawing of Library’s plan/shape
William L. Pereira Associates, c1965
Pereira chose a sphere as the basic form for the Library. Although “sphere” may not be the shape that comes to mind when looking at or standing in the Library today, it was built as a five-level spheroid shape, raised thirty feet above a plaza level, with two “operational levels on the main floor and “basement” level.
“Because it is unusual and can establish a powerful image for the University Center, and because it best satisfies the need for expansion and the highest possible level of library operation, the sphere was chosen for the basic form for the Central University Library.” [WLP]
Central library : University of California at San Diego
William L. Pereira and Associates, 1969
Three early sketches
Originally to be constructed largely from steel, budgetary constraints led to the use of reinforced concrete. The all-concrete system provided for a new design vocabulary...the diagonal concrete "arms" which are the familiar and defining feature of the Library's exterior
Central Library: Building Planting Plan, 1970-1971
Wimmer and Yamada
Wimmer and Yamada was San Diego’s long-established landscape design firm, and they were chosen to provide the green areas around the new building. This original planting plan’s legends and notes include details on specific plant materials and locations, as well as irrigation and drainage systems.
Architect A. Quincy Jones, always a proponent of greenbelts, was a consulting architect on the original Library landscape.
Central University Library with proposed Samuel I. Barchas Library, William L. Pereira & Associates, 1968
Pen & ink on paper, mounted.
The Barchas Library, a “baby Geisel” structure that remains unbuilt, was intended to house a proposed gift of rare books on the history of science. The smaller adjacent building remained connected to the larger library through a passage on the main (second) floor. Alas, the proposed Barchas structure was too small for the proposed collection and it was gifted to another university.
Central University Library, Second Level Summary Pencil and colored pencil on paper, 1970
William L. Pereira & Associates
Plan of the Library’s main floor indicating layout of operational spaces and individual desks. When it was known who would be occupying a specific desk, that person’s name is included on the plan.
Central University Library, Level Eight Summary Pencil and colored pencil on paper, 1970
William L. Pereira & Associates
Plan of the Library’s eighth floor, intended to be for rare books and special collections.
John S. Galbraith, Chancellor, UC San Diego, 1964-1968
As a condition of his acceptance of the chancellorship, Galbraith received a promise from UC President Clark Kerr that a research library would be constructed for the new university. Galbraith considered the Library his true legacy to the campus.
Photograph by Robert Glasheen, 1965
Sketch of Central Library, made for Chancellor John Galbraith
William L. Pereira
Felt tip pen, charcoal, & chalk on board, November 1965
Signed “To John from Bill” with note of “Thanks and Here’s Hoping”