Library Buildings around the World

available where people want to use them. They address the needs of diverse community groups, widening participation in lifelong
learning and helping to strengthen community cohesion. Each one offers a convenient and accessible one-stop location for library,
learning and information services.
Tower Hamlets had set out to double the use of library and adult education facilities across the borough within five years – and
managed to exceed its own ambitious targets. Funding for the Idea Stores came from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and a
range of public and private sector organisations. The five-storey flagship Idea Store in Whitechapel was built by Verry Construction
and designed by architects Adjaye Associates. (http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk)
Idea Store Chrisp Street, London – UK 2004
(restyling , see AEQUO)
Chrisp Street is one in a series of Idea Stores that a are intendend to encourage local people to make the widest possible
use of the facilities provided; a person who starts off by browsing in the audio-visual section might decide to accompany
their child to the teen library or perhaps sign up for a life-long learning class. The site for this Idea Store consisted of an
existing retail unit, part of a 1950s shopping centre, and the larger deck which previously formed this roof (Adjaye)
Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, DC – USA 2009
Competition – 2015
(with Davis Brody Bond, SmithGroup, Freelon Group)
The museum is expected to open in 2015 and cost approximently $500 million. Lead Designer: David Adjaye, Design Team:
Freelon Adjaye Bond/Smith Group, Client: Smithsonian Institution, Structural Engineer: Guy Nordenson and Associates,
Robert Silman Associates, Mechanical Engineer: WSP Flack + Kurtz
We have been covering the progress of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture over the
last several months, our most recent being President Obama’s speech at the ceremony for the official ground breaking.
Adjaye Associates recently shared with us some insight into the inspiration for the design and its grounding principles. We
also have several new perspective renders illustrating the internal experience. More details after the break.
Lead designer David Adjaye set out to establish a unique connection with both the site and its natural surroundings as well
as create a compelling conceptual resonance within America’s deep and longstanding African heritage. The basis of the
design is firmly rooted in a trifecta that binds and informs the overall design; a “corona” shape that forms the solid portion
of the building, a “porch” extension of the building that merges into the surrounding landscape, and a bronze filigree that
wraps around the structure.
Adjaye Associates describes in detail the location and elements that begin to inform the overall experience; “Situated on the
Washington Monument grounds the museum maintains a subtle profile in the landscape – more than half is below ground –
with five stories above. The corona is based on elements of the Washington Monument, closely matching the 17-degree angle
of the capstone and the panel size and pattern has been developed using the Monument stones as a reference. The entire
building is wrapped in an ornamental bronze lattice that is a historical reference to African American craftsmanship. The
density of the pattern can be modulated to control the amount of sunlight and transparency into the interior. The south
entry is composed of the Porch and a central water feature. An extension of the building out into the landscape, the porch
creates an outdoor room that bridges the gap between the interior and exterior.”
“At 50m (49’-2”) deep, the setback is similar to other buildings on the north side of the Mall. The underside of the porch roof
is tilted upward allowing reflection of the moving water below. This covered area creates a microclimate where breezes
combine with the cooling waters to generate a place of refuge from the hot summer sun. There is also an outdoor patio on
the porch rooftop that is accessed from a mezzanine level within the building.”
“Inside the building, visitors will be guided on a historical and emotional journey, characterized by vast, column free spaces,
a dramatic infusion of natural light and a diverse material palette comprising pre-cast concrete, timber and a glazed skin
that sits within the bronze lattice. Below ground, the ambience is contemplative and monumental, achieved by the triple
height history gallery and symbolized by the memorial space – the “oculus” – that brings light diffused by a cascade of water
into the contemplative space from the Monument grounds. Moving upwards, the views become pivotal, as one circulates
along the corona with unrivalled panoramas of the Mall, Federal Triangle buildings and Monument Grounds.”
(http://www.archdaily.com) 21.03.2012
Washington Libraries, Washington, DC – USA 2008 – 2012
Adjaye Associates is designing for new public libraries to replace the existing Francis Gregory and Washington Highlands
Facilities (Adjaye)
Francis Gregory Neighborhood Library, Washington, DC – USA 2012
client: capital projects, total area: 22,500 sqf, contract value: 13 m USD
see also: Wiencek + Associates, Washington DC (USA)
William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Library, Washington, DC – USA 2012
client: district of columbia public libraries, total area: 22,500 sqf, contract value: 13 m USD
see also: Wiencek + Associates, Washington DC (USA)
Both the 'francis gregory neighborhood library' and the 'william o. lockridge/bellevue library' by london-based adjaye
associates have opened to the public in washington DC. the buildings open themselves to their residential contexts,
generating welcoming centers which merge socially focused aspects with an urban and cultural program. within the wooded
setting of fort davis park, the 'francis gregory neighborhood library' takes on the atmosphere of a pavilion. capped with a
flat plane roof with deep eaves, the two-storey building is defined by an elevational composition of diamond panels. the motif
is continued within the canopy, shading the interior from direct sunlight while introducing solar gain during winter.
an external glass enclosure of alternating transparent and opaque panes reflect the greenery within the facade. openings
between the diagonal structural framework allow outward views into the trees.
the interior hosts programmatic areas for adults, teens and children along with public meeting and conference rooms.
the perimeter's windows integrate seating to encourage visitors to enjoy the landscape. a material palette of timber brings
the outdoor environment inside. 'our mission, with the francis gregory library, has been to offer a new way to experience
books, reading and story-telling. rather than a traditional closed building, this library is porous and open, with the canopy
providing a welcoming entrance that invites people inside. conceived as an extension to the park, it is not only a place to
gather, but also a place of contemplation and learning.' - david adjaye
integrating into the site's steep terrain, the 'william o. lockridge/bellevue library' is expressed with a cluster of volumes
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