2014-02-22 - Mt Angel Abbey

The library at Mt Angel Abbey was designed by the office of Alvar Aalto in the early 1960s and completed in 1970. 

I was told that in the winter, when heavy storms cause power outages, the community of monks gather in the library. The daylighting is so good that electricity is unnecessary. 

This is a humble building, made of common materials but handled uncommonly well. 

The PDF of the book "Construction Begins Monay All Obstacles Overcome America Will Have Beautiful Aalto" published by Yale Union is well worth downloading and reading. I am fortunate to have a printed copy from the original printing. The story of this building is wonderful to read in extreme detail.

Camera:  Nikon D200
Medium: Digital