Architecture of Libraries

BNF - Paris

We came across this link about a new book of photographs by German photographer Candida Hofer, entitled Libraries. The link provides a look at some of the photos Hofer has taken of libraries. They border on smutty, so gorgeous are they. Hofer has been shooting architectural photography for over 30 years. She specialized in "collections" of same-themed structures---museums, theaters, cafes, universities, historic houses.

The photos in "Libraries" offer a good opportunity to examine the vernacular of the library in the venerable role they play as a repository of precious objects. But, forget the books for a moment and consider what it is about the design of a library that signals "library," even if the books were removed. Could these structures possibly be anything else?