Library Buildings around the World

from the illuminated panels. A fiber-optic sculptural “dragon” hangs in the space, its head and neck serving as official gateway to
the children’s department.
This renovation of an existing space houses the grade school collection along with plenty of tables and private study rooms. A
technology hub is nearby, giving older children their own computer center. The ceiling has round gypsum soffits placed
concentrically on exposed concrete columns. Light fixtures were mounted to the columns and shine upward on the discs, providing
an indirect light that softens the space. A self-check and search catalog “pod” reinforces the goal of using integrated technology to
enhance the library experience.
This room formerly housed the entire children’s department, and was quite stark. Sheer walls of concrete and masonry were
transformed with colorful panels to brighten the space and provide some acoustic tempering. New carpet patterns and a playful
book stack layout accentuate the space, while above, ductwork once painted red, yellow and blue was changed to black to reduce its
prominence. New lighting gives a warmer, more even feel to the space. In a dramatic change, a concrete walkway that once was the
department’s entry point was removed, allowing a previously blocked skylight to flood the area with natural light.
On a more utilitarian note, the replacement of the original building’s single-pane glazing with modern low-E insulated glazing will
dramatically increase the efficiency of heating and cooling the building as well.
The library utilizes high efficiency boilers, water heaters, and chillers with non-global warming refrigerants. Electronic temperature
controls with energy conservation features were also implemented. Occupancy sensors were included in tandem with the lighting
control system to reduce the amount of power usage for the facility. Low-flow plumbing fixtures and lavatories were used in all the
bathrooms in the facility, in conjunction with dual flushometers for enhanced water savings.
LED fixtures were also used for task and accent lighting to provide high efficiency light sources. The inclusion of the LED “light
wall” helped this technology not only illuminate the space in a creative way, but also infuse art into the space.
Low VOC emitting finishes were used whenever possible, including paints and flooring. For the majority of flooring, FGMarch
specified recycled rubber flooring made from 72.8% post-consumer recycled tires. Any carpeting that was specified also certified
compliant with green industry standards for recycled content, including PVC-free backing and padding, where applicable.
Archdaily 19.08.2010 (http://www.archdaily.com)
El Paso Public Library, TX – USA 2006
Both the Doris Van Doren and Mission Valley Branches were constructed in El Paso. The Mission Valley branch was the recipent of
the following awards:
WINNER: 2006 AIA Texas Society of Architects Honor Award (Outstanding Architectural Design) · WINNER: 2006 Mayor's
Award (Outstanding Architectural Design)
Waukesha Public Library, WI – USA 2005
67.824 sqf.
Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL – USA 2003
193.980 sqf., $ 29.800.000
Charles C. Myers Library, Dubuque University, Dubuque, IA – USA 2003
Literature:
American School & University, August 2004
Rebecca Crown Library, Dominican University, River Forest, IL – USA 2002
Herrick District Library, Wyoming, MI – USA 2000
Northbrook Public Library, Northbrook, IL – USA 1999
Summit Public Library, Summit, IL – USA 1999
The Summit Public Library has moved into its new modern facilities which tripled its size. Public funds supported construction of a
new 18,190 SF library, which replaces an out of date facility. Located on an important corner in the downtown area, the new library
has become the village focal point and has generated public pride and economic growth for the merchants. The Summit Public
Library has a diverse collection made up of Spanish texts, Adult Fiction, Non-fiction, Children's and Multimedia items. FGMarch
has worked to house this collection with a mix of different types of community spaces. Features include an expanded Children's area
with an exciting story hour room, a Quiet Reading room with comfortable seating, and a Public Meeting room, which fulfills the
needs of community groups and organizations and provides library program space, which was missing from the original building.
The new library has increased technological capabilities. In addition to Internet stations for children and adults, the library also
provides an expanded multimedia department with books on tape, videos, CD's and DVD's. A drive-up book drop facilitates the
convenience of using the new library. Most importantly the library has become an important civic presence for the community of
Summit. Improved street lighting, sidewalks and an outdoor public space brightens the neighborhood and encourage growth in the
surrounding areas. The entrance to the library has been moved away from the busy street, creating a safe point for arrival of
families and library patrons. The result is a dramatic civic building for the community, contemporary library services for patrons,
and accommodation of the needs of future expansion, providing community service for years to come. (FGM)
Oshkosh Public Library, Oshkosh, IL – USA 1994
Field Paoli, San Francisco, CA – USA
http://www.fieldpaoli.com
Libraries:
Millbrae Library, CA – USA 2008
The double height entry lobby at Millbrae’s new 26,000 square foot library opens into light-filled reading and study areas. Expansive
north windows look out onto tall willow and sycamore trees. As part of the planning process, Field Paoli also created Constitution
Plaza at the center of the site, providing a shared civic center surrounded by the library, City Hall, a large community meeting room,
and the town’s relocated Historical Museum. (Field)
Tustin Library, CA – USA 2008
Tustin Library is an innovative, green building, located in the existing Tustin Civic Center. The design features daylighting controls,
under floor air distribution, large north facing windows, and extensive use of recycled materials. It is also configured so that it can
accommodate a large field of photo-voltaic panels on the roof in the future. The library features a great children’s area with an
enclosed homework center, wireless access throughout, a new self check system, and a public literacy center. In addition to the new
building, the project includes creation of a new central Civic Plaza with defined children’s outdoor reading areas, a poetry corner,
and the capacity to house large public events. The building also encloses three distinct courtyards with public access. (Field)
Marina Branch Library, San Francisco, CA – USA 2007
The original Marina Branch library opened in San Francisco in 1954. Now, as part of a city-wide program of library renovation and
modernization, the building was totally renovated and expanded to meet the current needs of the community. The scope of work
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