The Cleveland Public Library is filled with gorgeous artwork, much of which is functional. A few of us were noting while taking the tour that it is a shame that buildings like this have about zero chance of being created today. The people who planned and built this building were in for the long haul, using beautiful stone and enlisting artists who required hours upon hours to create the stunning works of art throughout. They weren’t creating something disposable that would be falling apart in 20 years.

We talk a lot about green design in new library construction, but it seems to me that renewable materials get more attention than materials that will last as long as those at CPL have (and thus do not require replacement within a lifetime if ever).