New York Public Library - Main Branch
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York

Mechanical and Electrical Engineers
Completion Date: 1987

Architect: Davis Brody Associates


Over the ten-year period of 1982-1992, AltieriSeborWieber LLC, working with architects Davis Brody Associates, completed a number of projects, which were funded with private funds. The Edna Barnes Solomon Rare Book Reading Room is one such project.

Because it is totally isolated from the mechanical and electrical service of the rest of the building, an independent air system was placed in the attic. The appearance of the original skylight was restored and the volume was used as a supply air plenum and artificial light well. The original skylight remained closed to prevent exposing the collection to harmful light and UV levels.

The original ventilation ducts passages were tested and reused as the return air system. The original bronze grillage was restored.

Chilled and hot water services were routed though voids in the terra cotta masonry infill system. Humidification was produced locally using state of the art electronic humidification equipment.

The original lighting fixtures were restored and refitted with new wiring and lamp sockets. Parts of the floor were removed, so that new power, lighting, security, and data wiring could be run to freestanding cases and vitrines.

Note that air supply was achieved from the false skylight by elevating the glass lights by ¾ inch.