Latvian-born architect Gunnar Birkerts belongs to the second wave of modernists who arrived in the United States from abroad, a group that includes Kevin Roche and Cesar Pelli among others. This work presents his cultural perspectives as well as his family insights to bear, offering a unique portrait of a life and career.
The National Library of Latvia, an architectural icon in Riga, was designed by renowned modernist Gunnar Birkerts. His expressionist style, influenced by his Latvian roots and studies in Germany, as well as his experiences in the USA with notable architects like Eero Saarinen and Minoru Yamasaki, has made a significant mark on contemporary architecture. Birkerts was commissioned to design the library in 1988, but the restoration of Latvia's independence delayed the project for 25 years, during which the design evolved to reflect the changing times and the aspirations of a new state. The building, aptly named the 'Castle of Light,' symbolizes freedom and national identity. In 1999, it received UNESCO's official patronage, with its design and construction evaluated by experts. The 68-meter-high pyramidal structure houses up to 8 million national printed materials and represents a major investment in Latvia's cultural infrastructure, serving as one of Northern Europe's largest cultural buildings. It accommodates 1,000 visitors and includes a 400-seat concert hall and versatile meeting rooms. The library is part of the Network of Light, connecting nearly 900 libraries across Latvia, facilitated by support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Janis Dripe, an architect and former minister of culture, and Indrikis Sturmanis, a leading architectural photographer, contribute to the library's legacy.