Library Buildings around the World

Executed in collaboration with LWA of Boston. (Anderson)
Thaw Conservation Center, The Morgan Center, New Yotk, NY – USA 2002
The Thaw Conservation Center is a world-class laboratory for conservation of works on paper as well as a magnet for conservation
studies and training. It has enabled the Morgan Library to significantly expand its capabilities and activities in the field of
conservation.
The Center sits on the top floor of the only freestanding brownstone extant in New York City - a four-story structure originated in
1855 and expanded around 1900. The original servant and nursery quarters had been modified many times, so the interior included
nothing of architectural or historical value to preserve. Wherever possible, we exposed, restored and cleaned existing brick walls
while installing few new partitions. The layout achieves appropriate arrangements for wet and dry treatments, examinations,
documentation, teaching, and research, while allowing considerable flexibility for evolving conservation practice.
The Library requested that the existing shallow roof line be maintained, but the conservators required ample northern light. We
conserved as much as the existing roof structure as possible with additions of discrete steel and wooden elements, transforming the
original framing into a series of elegant shed trusses. The continuous air-vapor barrier was installed just above the original
sheathing, but below the insulation, so the original roof construction is revealed and appreciated. (Anderson)
Straus Center for Conservation, Cambridge, MA – USA 1996
11.000 sqf.
Harvard's Conservation Department is the oldest fine arts conservation treatment, research, and training facility in the United
States. Renovation was imperative for the safety of the staff and collections; expansion was necessary to allow the conservators'
advances in research and teaching to be realized
The challenge of accommodating the specialized needs of each conservation specialty while maintaining interdisciplinary exchange
was addressed by a free plan where architectonic elements define distinct areas without separating them. A rhythmic sequence of
skylights floods and unifies the Center with north light.
The dedicated mechanical system (discreetly located in a penthouse) maintains steady temperature and humidity despite
intermittent use of spray booths, fume hoods, and fume extractors. A continuous air/vapor barrier and specially designed windows
and skylights successfully prohibit the formation of dangerous condensation even on the most frigid nights.
The materials and equipment are integrated with the processes and functions of the treatment and research work. Each element is
assessed in terms of its special use, relation to the human body and to the room, to ensure fluid, safe motion. (Anderson)
Architectural Resources Group, Inc., San Francisco CA – USA
http://www.argsf.com
Libraries:
North Branch, Berkeley Public Library, Berkeley, CA – USA 2012
Northern California The Berkeley North Branch Library, a Berkeley City Landmark, was designed by local architect James Plachek
in the California Spanish style. Constructed in 1936, the building maintains the majority of its historic features.
ARG, in association with Tom Eliot Fisch, was architect for the rehabilitation and expansion, which was funded as part of a 2008
Library Bond measure. The historic one-story building was expanded with a two-story 4,200 square foot addition. The project
restores the historic central rotunda and reading rooms, including decorative finishes and original furnishings, and adds staff work
areas, a teen library, a community room, and support spaces, including accessible restrooms. Inappropriate modifications (e.g.,
ramps, awnings, lighting) made over the years were removed and replaced with new, historically appropriate finishes and fixtures.
(Architectural)
Architecture For Humanity, San Francisco, CA – USA
http://architectureforhumanity.org
Libraries:
Francisco Perez Anampa School, Ica – Perú 2010
Design Fellow: Diego Collazos, Colaborator: Arturo Novelli – Edificaciones America, Project Coordinator: Ofelia Harten
Area: 557 sqm, Year: 2010, Cost: $193,000 USD (Final), Construction: Edificaciones America, Funding: Integra ING –
Peru, Happy Hearts Fund, Beneficiaries: Primary beneficiaries: 160 Primary school children. Secondary beneficiaries: 3,105
Community of Tate. Courtesy of Architecture For Humanity
The Francisco Perez Anampa School is part of the: Happy Hearts Fund – ING school reconstruction program. The school is
the first project in which Architecture for Humanity took part in by providing design services and construction
administration.
The Francisco Perez Anampa school is located in the community of Tate, a small town in the Ica Region 300 kms south of
Lima, Peru. The geographical context is very arid and dry within the southern Peruvian desert, the weather conditions are
not extreme, still the comfort of the school children can be addressed with a proper building.
The school building attended by approximately 160 primary school students was heavily damaged by the 7.9 earthquake in
2007 that affected the Ica region in Peru. The entity assessing the quality of the buildings after the earthquake, Defensa
Civil, confirmed that the building cannot be used any more, as a safety precaution. The school had to be moved to a
temporary location for more than 3 years, into improvised temporary school structures. Those times are remembered as
very harsh as there was a lot of dust, limited water accessibility, no electricity, and the classrooms proved to be very cold in
winter and extremely hot in summer.
Happy Hearts & ING decided to rebuild the school as the pro-activeness of the community and the big necessity to provide
an effective educational environment was essential. The new facility will include six brand new classrooms, one library, a
state-of-the-art computer lab, two administrative offices, a meeting room, upgrade of the toilets, a courtyard, and playing
area for the children.
(http://www.archdaily.com/351354/francisco-perez-anampa-school)
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