Something about the Nature of Architecture: The History of the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library

Carpet

Rudolph's choice of a bright orange "paprika" color for the carpet would become a definitive feature of the library and building as a whole.  According to Rudolph, the hue, "reflected light--made the floor appear to rise or float in contrast to the heavy corrugated walls and stimulated the eyes and emotions of the viewer" (Rohan, 103).

The carpet was replaced in many parts of the building after a few years with a beige or brown color. When it was finally time for restoration in the mid-2000s, a small pristine portion of the original paprika carpeting, uncovered in an unused space, was used to match its replacement. 

View of Rudolph Reading Room and paprika carpet from the mezzanine level of the library (date unknown) 

Art & Architecture Building, Yale University (New Haven, CT): interior; Arts Library (1960s)