Library Buildings around the World

Santa Clara Central Park Library, Santa Clara, CA – USA 2007
Awards:
Technology Award, First Place – ASHRAE Golden Gate Chapter
Technology Award, First Place – ASHRAE Region X
Award of Merit – APWA South Bay Chapter
Designed for a strong connection with its namesake park, the new Santa Clara Central Park Library provides both innovative and
traditional services. Park-facing pavilions provide spacious and light-filled reading rooms, each with unique architectural features
and gardens between. Underlying the warmth and beauty is one of California’s most technologically-advanced libraries, with
facility-wide wifi as well as RFID and automated materials handling systems. The library showcases original commissioned works by
national artists celebrating the value and wonder of reading, knowledge, and creative thought. Sustainable design features include an
award-winning variety of innovative systems, materials, and technologies. The project was completed on schedule and under budget,
and received major utility rebates. (Group 4)
Burlingame Public Library, Burlingame, CA – USA 1997
Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the City again approved a bond issue to reconstruct a new main library. The original
children’s room and reference room, including the original furnishings were restored and reused in the reconstructed library. The
library grew from 27,000 square feet to 48,000 square feet and maintained much of its original charm and period appeal. On
October 4, 1997, the library was rededicated on the Bellevue and Primrose Roads site. The library was opened to much acclaim by
then California State Librarian Kevin Starr and seven term Congressman Tom Lantos. The awarding winning architecture was
featured in Library Journal in December 1997 and was a cover story in American Libraries in April 1998.
Awards:
Honor Award AIA San Mateo County Chapater
Literature:
"The Jewel of Burlingame" cover story in American Libraries, April 1998
This classic Community Library building was originally designed by prominent peninsula architect Colonel Norberg and
constructed in the early 1930's (May 1931). The popular community landmark was completely gutted and totally reconstructed, with
15,000 square feet of additional space, including a new expanded full floorplate Basement and a new Second Floor. O'Mahony &
Myer was retained to provide electrical engineering and lighting design services for the complete reconstruction and expansion.
The lighting for this project was deemed to be critical to the overall success of the Architect's "historic" scheme, and was carefully
designed by the staff of our lighting design studio, Peters & Myer, to both augment the period architectural design as well as provide
the high levels and quality of light so necessary in a modern Library facility. Included in this effort was the development of a
"family" of custom period chandeliers and wall sconces that use energy efficient lamps and ballasts. Our staff designed "period"
pendant luminaires that are separated into lower (and low wattage) lamps within the hanging globe, and an array of upper lamps
that bathe the ceiling in light. The results are soft glowing alabaster-like globes that are easy on the eyes, while providing abundant
indirect illumination throughout the library.
All other specialized power, data and communications systems, including provisions for future evolution and expansion, were
carefully incorporated into the finished project. The library also features a flexible electronic infrastructure as well as energyconserving
electrical systems.
(http://www.ommconsulting.com/projects/library/burlingame_library.php)
Group 4 took to heart the Burlingame community’s desire to build a much larger library without losing the charm of the original
1930s Italianate building, resulting in an expansion so well integrated that it feels like a wholly new building. Significant details from
the original library were cast and reproduced in the addition in a seamless integration of the old and the new. The new library offers
high levels of service and enhances the unique character of downtown Burlingame.
The distinctive entry tower showcases the library’s collection of 17th and 18th century tapestries. A spacious skylit stairway provides
a clear wayfinding cue, guiding customers to the public rooms on three floors. The library also features a flexible electronic
infrastructure as well as energy-conserving mechanical and electrical systems. (Group 4)
Gund Partnership Studios (Graham Gund), Cambridge, MA – USA
http://www.gundpartnership.co
Libraries:
The Ohio State University, William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library, Columbus, OH – USA 2009
309.000 sqf.
Awards:
2010 Society for College and University Planning Special Citation for Excellence in Architecture for Renovation and Adaptive AIA
Columbus
2009 Merit Award for Design Excellence Columbus Landmarks Foundation
2009 James B. Recchie Design Award
Literature:
Carlson, Scott, A place to See and to be Seen (and Learn a Liitle, Too, in: Chronicle for Higher Education, May 2010
2010 Library Design Showcase, in: American Libraries, April 2010
Weiker, Jim, A novel rebirth for a classic: OSU library project wins design award, in: The Columbus Dispatch, October 9, 2009
Metz, Stephen, P.E., From top to bottom, in: Modern Steel Construction, June 2009
Waters, John, The library morphs, in. Campus Technology
Carlson, Scott, Library Renovation at Ohio State University Promises More Space, but Fewer Books, in: The Chronicle of Higher
Education
Berwick Academy Library, South Berwick, ME – USA 2008
Mount Holyoke College, Williston Library Expansion, South Hadley, MA – USA 2003
University of New Hampshire, Diamond Library, Durham, NH – 1998 – USA
Awards:
AIA / ALA Excellence ln Library Design 2001
American School and University, Design Ciation 2000
Boston Society of Architects, AIA Honor Award 1999
Society of American Registered Architects, Award of Merit 1998
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