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The Latvian Architect of Visionary Community Spaces

Celebrating the world-renown architect Gunārs Birkerts

© The National Library of Latvia

In January 2025, Latvia will honor Gunārs Birkerts, a visionary architect whose modernist designs redefined public spaces from Minnesota to Riga. His work weaves light, symbolism, and cultural memory into structures that transcend mere buildings.

The Architect of Light and Metaphor

Imagine the Corning Museum of Glass, seamlessly merging with its natural surroundings while inviting sunlight into its flowing galleries. Or picture the National Library of Latvia, its iconic shape rising asymmetrically, steeped in folklore. These hallmarks of Birkerts’ style—masterful use of light, bold forms, and symbolic expression—distinguish his creations among nearly 300 public projects.

Birkerts often drew from metaphor and cultural symbolism. The National Library of Latvia, known as the “Castle of Light”, takes inspiration from a Latvian folk tale about the pursuit of wisdom. Its striking form recalls a glass mountain, referencing another tale of three horsemen ascending to rescue a princess, a poignant allegory for Latvia’s struggle for independence. Inside, visitors can find traditional motifs thoughtfully integrated throughout the design.

“There are times when the need for a symbol of freedom overrides the question of quiet integration into the urban context. Sometimes it’s more important that the building speaks,” Birkerts explained to his close friend and colleague, Jānis Dripe. It makes sense, then, that the “Castle of Light” has been named one of the world’s eight most architecturally outstanding libraries.

© Kulturaskanons.lv / Timothy Hursley. Ohio State University Law School Addition, Columbus

© Kulturaskanons.lv /Balthazar Korab. The Duluth Public Library in Duluth, Minnesota

© Kulturaskanons.lv /Balthazar Korab. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Minnesota

A Legacy of Community-Centered Architecture

Birkerts devoted his career to designing spaces that benefited the public, focusing on cultural, educational, and civic projects rather than commercial ones. His portfolio includes libraries, museums, schools, and churches. As Jānis Dripe remarked, “His mission was to serve communities through architecture.”

His focus on community and architectural excellence earned Birkerts global recognition. For example, Birkerts’ addition to the Corning Museum of Glass in New York is known for its open, light-filled spaces and smooth, flowing curves. The design cleverly mirrors the transformation of glass, from liquid state to solid, finished form. Similarly, the University of Michigan Law Library annex uses refracted natural light to create a subterranean space that feels open and connected. It’s a remarkable feat of design! Both buildings are featured on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) list of the 150 most notable buildings in the USA.

Through his work, Birkerts demonstrated how architecture can transcend its physical form to create spaces that inspire, educate, and unite communities.

© Kulturaskanons.lv. Gunārs Birkerts

A Centennial Celebration

Gunārs Birkerts’ 100th birthday in 2025 is being celebrated through a series of events before, on, and after January 17.

At the National Library of Latvia, visitors can currently explore the exhibit “Architect Gunnar Birkerts – The Italian Years,” which showcases his projects in Italy.

On January 17, 2025, the exhibit “Birkerts. Libraries. Light” will open, dedicated to his architectural work on 19 libraries worldwide and featuring discussions about his legacy in Latvian, American, and global contexts.

The celebrations will continue on March 27, 2025, with the international conference “LIGHTmatters” at the National Library of Latvia. Renowned scholars, including Martin Schwartz, a professor and Birkerts expert, will explore his innovative use of light and his enduring architectural influence.

If you visit the “Castle of Light”, we suggest visiting the permanent exhibition “Castle of Light and Glass Mountain — The Story of the National Library of Latvia Project” on levels 1 and 12 as well. The personal items and architectural sketches of Birkerts on level 12 are a particular delight.