Library Buildings around the World

FGM Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects, Chicago, IL – USA
http://www.fgmarch.com
As of September 1, 2012, Frye Gillan Molinaro regretfully announces that our firm principals have decided to discontinue our
services. Both AJ and Lonn are moving on to different opportunities in their careers, and will no longer be available for commissions
in this endeavor. We realize that this may have some implications for our past and current projects, and we apologize in advance if
our decision will pose any inconvenience.
We would like to explicitly thank each of our clients for believing in, and for supporting our firm for the 29 years it has existed. We
could have never accomplished what we did without such an amazing support base. The library world, in particular, gave us
exceptional opportunities along with exceptional rewards.
Additionally, we want to thank our high quality consultants and staff that we have collaborated with. Our designs were enhanced by
your professionalism.
Finally, we want to express gratitude to members of the press and the publications that helped breathe additional life into our
projects. We are immensely grateful for the accolades that we were given for our work.
Thank you for allowing us to contribute and express our ideas with you. It has truly been a pleasure.
Sincerely,
Lonn L. Frye, FAIA
A.J. Rosales, AIA
Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects
Popular Creek Public Library, Streemwood, IL – USA 2009
96.000 sqf., $ 23.000.000, Architects: Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects, Location: Streamwood, IL, USA, Lead Architects: Lonn Frye,
FAIA / AJ Rosales, AIA, Landscape Architects: Conservation Design Forum, Lighting Design: Aurora Lighting Design
General Contractor: Pepper Construction
Awards:
2010 GE Edison Award of Merit
2010 Learning by Design, Citation of Excellence Award
Literature:
Library Journal, Dezember 2009
Architects: Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects
In the western suburbs of Chicago, a dramatic transformation was propelled by merging an existing brutalist-inspired Library with
a fluid new addition. After a 2½ year design and construction phase, it emerged as a contemporary structure with a green mindset
and a sharp focus on technology. An entirely new image from Park Avenue features a facade enhanced by a canted glass tower. Soft
light from the ramp handrails and the tower add a sense of mystery to the composition, drawing the eye to the entry. The original
building, partly recessed below grade and glazed with smoky panes of glass, was far less transparent and attention-grabbing. With
energy-efficient low-E clear glass, the new facade entices passers-by.
A sculpted facade features two distinct architectural zones. The administrative wing on the mezzanine level uses geometric light
boxes to give the long facade relief and interest. Each light box connects to a separate room behind the facade. The board meeting
room is the light box that protrudes outward; its shape is expressed internally, as well. On the main level, a clear glass facade greets
patrons and entices them with the bright colors used in the Young Adults department. Visual connection between the street and the
library’s interior was a major goal for the renovation. Solar control at this part of the building is achieved by motorized shades that
retract into the ceiling.
Over 15,000 square feet of green roof was integrated into the design. Lightweight sedum was used in conjunction with a tray system
to capture and slow down the rate of flow and diffuse environmental pollutants. The green roof also insulates during the winter,
prevents heat gain during the summer, and shields the roofing membrane from UV rays, extending the life of the roof.
The integration of a bio-swale along with roof scuppers provided an additional landscaping concept for the site. The bioswale is not a
“wetland” area, per say, but an area that would allow quick filtration and release. Native Landscaping was used around the site to
minimize lawns, which are not only maintenance intensive, but also create chemical runoff.
The existing building’s architecture perhaps took some inspiration from Louis Kahn’s Exeter Library, with a brutalist take on
exposed concrete and wood beams. This reading room was transformed not only by the hanging light fixtures, but by the redesign of
the mechanical layout to eliminate air ducts from protruding into the center of the space. The existing rounded windows were
upgraded to double-pane, low-E glass. Shelves holding New Fiction complete the space, which encourages casual browsing and
comfortable seating in a light-filled room.
A complex tubular structural geometry was employed for the interior of the west entrance glass tower. Diagonal and cross bracing
provides lateral support and wind-load transfer. Round, hanging lights dance here, and throughout the building. Some are
translucent, while others have exposed, energy-efficient lamping. The entrance also features an all-glass revolving door and an RFID
security gate system. Flanking it is a large, four-panel video screen for slide shows, live cable TV feeds or other multimedia
presentations.
Just beyond the intersection of two main hallways is the “Amoeba” space, so named because of a curvaceous platform that floats in
the middle of the floor plan. This part of the library houses digital media as well as the Periodicals collection and is the project’s
signature architectural expression. The amoeba platform is pulled away from all sides of the building, allowing natural light to pass
into the lower level. Atop the amoeba are light “scoops” that capture outside light and reflect it into the space. Each scoop was
designed to take advantage of various sun angles in summer and winter to help with heat gain and light transfer.
As patrons descend to the lower level via the main stair, they encounter one of the building’s several “technology nodes.” Interplay
of the orange amoeba edge, the burst of natural light from the skylight and the accent energy of the “light wall” is compelling. The
light wall was envisioned as a “mirror” to the skylight above it, but also is an active artistic element. Most often, the light wall has a
soft, white glow that provides pleasing illumination during overcast days or evening hours. But it can be made striking with colors,
too. And it powers up and down with a special presentation at the start and end of each day, either greeting patrons or alerting them
that the library is about to close.
The hustle and bustle of the main stair is expressed in the forms that surround it. The canted edge of the amoeba and the main stair
are a unifying element that helps the form wind down to the lower level. A yin-yang statement is made where the two forms nearly
touch, reminiscent of shapes championed by sculptor Richard Serra. The graceful arcs embody the movement of the patrons.
Teenagers were made a priority with a new 5,000-square-foot space that is their own special zone. Colorful patterns and whimsical
furniture provide a youthful focus, while varying ceiling textures and lighting patterns make the space exciting.
The library’s most daring idea probably is the “Green Zone,” a connective hallway between the adult and children’s departments
that also doubles as a tech node. The spatially abstract space is also visually absorbing. As another technology hub of the library, it
has WI-FI and a long row of computers opposite study counters. The walls feature a textural striped paint pattern to reflect light
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