Before starting my first college semester my sister gave me a tour of campus to show me around so I could be familiar with where my classes were before school started. As we were walking through campus she would point to a building and explain what classes were taught in it. As we were passing by Noble Library a small smile came upon her face as she explained to me how much time she has spent in this building. According to her it was her "best friend" through college and has always been a great place to settle down for a few hours to study. .
Noble Library, located on Tyler Mall at the Tempe Campus of Arizona State University, houses information on everything from astronomy and physics to medicine and mathematics. This library includes approximately 425,000 volumes; 1,200 of which are print as well as thousands of electronic journals. This building is named in honor of Daniel E. Noble, a technological innovator and inventor who is called the "father of Arizona industry." Noble spent most of his career working for Motorola and is credited with designing the first frequency-modulated mobile communication system. .
Looking at the building for the first time I was automatically attracted to it. The general shape of the library was that of a simple box, it was obvious the designers cared more about how well this building functioned rather than the appeal. However, there are some very nice features added to the outside that distract you from its basic shape. The entire library is made out of red wood bricks that light up beautifully in the sun. The top of the building is barely visible, covered by the foliage of trees planted around the base of Noble. The large inviting windows on the first floor practically beckoning you inside while the small windows on the second and third floors have a sense of focus and purpose to them. A cement overhang covers you as you walk in as if it's preparing you for what's inside.
