Looking up under the portico is an impressive view. Looking down, is the bubbling fountain. This arrangement allows light to enter the various levels of the building. Similar light wells are in other locations so that all rooms appear to have an outside view.
Entering through the main doors one sees an impressive staircase. Elevators are also available. We descend to the area of the International Baha'i Library. Now we can see the same fountain at the bottom of the light well. As one enters each area, lights automatically come on and turn off once all people have left. This is a very smart building!
We walk around the glassed-in light well and see the shelves waiting for the books. This tour took place just prior to the occupation of the building.
Leaving the library we ascend a staircase illumined by a skylight several stories above. One place we visit is a small auditorium, also known as the large conference room.
While still in the conference room we turn to our right and see another smaller fountain in the lightwell for this section. The auditorium looks through the glass onto this small courtyard. As we leave the auditorium we see the same fountain from the hallway.
Now we will take a look at a smaller conference room. Outside of it is a formal Japanese garden. The conference room window can be seen behind it. This is at the bottom of another light well, all designed to bring natural light into a building that is mostly underground!
Questions or comments to: Lyn Walker
© Copyright 1999 by Lyndal Walker