David Rumsey Map Center Stanford University Building, Green Library, Images
David Rumsey Map Center at Stanford University
New San Francisco Building, California, USA – by Noll & Tam Architects
Jul 6, 2018
David Rumsey Map Center at Stanford University
Design: Noll & Tam Architects
Location: Stanford University, San Francisco, USA
David Rumsey Map Center at Green Library, Stanford University
David Rumsey Map Center

Green Library, Stanford University

Stanford, California
The project renovated the fourth floor of Stanford University?s Green Library to house David Rumsey?s rare map collection.

Photos: David Wakely Photography

The collection was started in the mid 1980s and contains more than 150,000 maps, and includes atlases, wall maps, globes, school geographies, pocket maps, books of exploration, maritime charts, and a variety of cartographic materials. The 3,975 square-foot space showcases Mr. Rumsey?s collection and his dedication to providing an accessible and interactive experience through visualization and geospatial technologies.
The design weaves together the stunning visual impact of the maps into the experience of the built environment. To reach the Center, the visitor ascends three flights of stairs from the library rotunda. The stairwells are wrapped floor-to-ceiling in maps?from an isometric map of Manhattan to a map depicting the heights and lengths of the world’s mountains and rivers.

Inside the Center, glass doors are decorated w...