Library Buildings around the World

approximately $55,000 per year in energy costs. The project is required to meet the certified requirements of LEED, at this time it
has enough points to be Gold (pending certification). (Hidell
Pleasant Grove Branch Library, Dallas, TX – USA 2011
Statistics: •40,516 SF Adaptive Re-Use, •Construction Complete January 2011, •LEED Silver Certification (Pending)
Sonia King Mosaic Artist - Public Artist, Core Construction - General Contractor
Publications:
Featured in Library Journal's Year in Architecture 2011
A 20,200 square foot branch library for the Dallas Public Library System consists of an open floor plan (adult, children and teen
collections and public computers strategically located to feel that they have their area within the library but visible from a central
point of control "service desk"). Flexible classroom space, study rooms and a multi-purpose meeting room that transforms into a
"black box theater" four months out of the year. Situated in the culturally diverse suburb of Pleasant Grove, the building
incorporates the work of a local artist, which depicts the cultural diversity of the community. The building form consists of curved
walls opening up to the community beyond, reminiscent of the turning pages of a book. The building is scheduled to meet the criteria
for LEED Silver certification (pending certification). (Hidell)
Bedford Public Library, Bedford, TX – USA 2011
40,516 SF Adaptive Re-Use, Construction Complete January 2011, 251.32KW Solar Panel Array installed on the roof
Awards:
AWARD of EXCELLENCE (IEC) Independent Electrical Contractors: WINNER
THE WAYNE WILLIAMS LIBRARY PROJECT OF THE YEAR Texas Library Association: WINNER
LIBRARY OF THE YEAR American Library Association: RUNNER-UP
Literature:
Featured in Library Journal's Year in Architecture 2011
Hidell Architects was commissioned in 2008 to renovate and expand an existing Food Lion grocery building into a new home for the
Bedford Public Library. The 40,516 square foot adaptive reuse, includes a 200 seat meeting room, an electronic resource center, an
automated book sorting system, cyber/vending area, express zone, children's craft room, children's story time, a toddlers zone and a
dedicated teen room. The existing building, with its "flat" front facade, was modified to present a new image for the library while
tying into the adjacent Old Bedford School architecture. A large circular volume and curved wall begins to soften the front facade,
providing the patron with a dynamic entry into this whimsical space. The existing "box' shape was transformed with flowing curved
walls and ceilings, assisting the user to navigate the various program spaces as well as define the individual areas within. The use of
colored glass is seen throughout the new facility (both interior and exterior), creating walls of changing colors throughout the day.
A geothermal ground loop heat pump system to heat and cool the facility was utilized, increasing the building efficiency, and
reducing life-cycle costs. The use of durable materials, energy efficient lighting (LED), and shading of exterior glazing has created a
sustainable home for the Bedford Library. In addition the City received a SECO grant where they were able to add a photovoltaic
system consisting of (824) Sunpower T5, 305W solar panel modules with integrated racking on the roof of the building providing a
total system capacity of 251.32KW. (Hidell)
Watsonville Public Library, Watsonville, CA – USA 2008
Statistics: 42,000 SF Public Library, 27,000 SF City Administrative/Council Chambers, 45,000 SF Superior Courts of California,
Santa Cruz County, 16,000 SF Private Lease Space, Six Level Parking Structure with 460 Parking Spaces, •Library Architect |
Hidell and Associates Architects, Inc., Architect of Record | LPA, Inc., Construction Complete May 2008
Awards:
2008 Project of the Year Award - APWA Monterey Bay ChapterProject Information
The Watsonville Civic Plaza building is located in one-square block, downtown at 275 Main Street, Watsonville, California. This
government building is a 131,000-square-foot multi-use project, plus parking structure. The facility provides space for the City of
Watsonville city hall and administrative offices, City Library, County of Santa Cruz Superior Court, and lease space including retail
tenants. The downtown location provides a functional setting for the project that also serves as a revitalization engine for its
immediate urban environment.
The project was constructed under numerous separate contracts, reflecting economic as well as political requirements. The parking
structure was completed first prior to the construction of the main shell and core of the building. The County Courts were located on
the first and third floor, City offices (fourth floor), the Library facilities (first and second floor), and for multiple tenants, including a
self-help program area, offices for the District Attorney and commercial retail users on the first and third floor.
The Watsonville City Library more than doubled it size of the old library when it moved into its new facilities in April of 2008. As
part of the Civic Plaza building, the library located on the first and second floor: first floor housed the children's department,
circulation, technical services and the Literacy center. The second floor housed the adult collection, reference, computer Lab,
California Agricultural workers' History Center, Teen zone, meeting rooms, study rooms and the administration offices.
New technology was implemented throughout the new library of great benefit to the public. The Children's area features a "Toddle
tech" area with eight bilingual Early Literacy stations that are programmed with educational programs targeted towards children
from pre-school age to second grade. Patrons of the library can use the new Xpress Check stations to check out their own materialsincluding
DVDs, videos and CDs. (Hidell)
Civic Center Library, Warren, MI – USA 2006
Statistics: 32,000 SF Library | Construction Complete November 2006
The new Warren Library evolved thru the desire to make the library more interactive, involving, educational and more entertaining.
When the patrons arrive they are immediately aware of being in an exciting learning destination thru the immense collection of
business, recreational and reference materials all illuminated with stack lighting. Vibrant wall and floor colors converge onto all
areas, which are emulated in the handcrafted heat treated copper which forms various distinctive signage and components of the
services desks; to the patterned layout of multi-colored laminated glass; to the playful energy of the youth area; to the "cool"
interactive hang-out in the Teen area; and to the quiet study area while sitting in a comfy chair by the colored glass tile surround at
the fireplace in the Special Collections room.
The serpentine motif and soft undulating curves allows the patron to navigate themselves to discover and explore the features of the
library. The motifs encapsulates the ceiling, wall, programs spaces, signage, furniture and lighting in three-dimensional form,
mirroring their two dimensional equivalent in the floor. Similar shapes, forms and seating continue in an exterior program space
which creates a setting for quiet outdoor reading or children storytelling.
Occupying over 32,000 SF and ultimately housing over 151,000 items this new library creates a link to a world of information
available today, allowing your studies, career, business and recreational pursuits lead you virtually anywhere you want to go. The
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