Library Buildings around the World

With a concerted focus toward the utilization of sustainable elements, this project was a nod to Draper’s historic agricultural context
informed by the iconography and composition of specific forms and materials.
One of the primary challenges of the project was to site the building for best balance of sunlight, views, wayfinding, and energy
performance. To overcome a property boundary with a minimum area of street frontage and a majority of level grade sitting lower
than the street itself, the building is oriented with its entry facing the neighborhood and the reading areas facing a south garden, east
mountain views, and neighboring park.
Strategic siting and 3D modeling studies allowed the building to be oriented on an east-west axis for optimum sun-light/sun-control
in the form of horizontal light fins
and roof overhangs which also direct roof water through the landscape. The Children’s collection environment remains one of the
most popular in the County Library system because of its tactile interior and window benches that connect children with the garden
immediately outside. This library is a modern narrative to historical Draper. Even the west shading arbor has re-assembled and
detailed the mayor’s salvaged barnwood – homage to the original builders of this community. (MHTM)
Miller Hull Partnerschip LLP, Seattle, WA – USA
http://www.millerhull.com
Libraries:
Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver, WA – USA 2011
Currently housed in a dated building at a site cut-off from the city by the freeway, the new Central Branch for the Fort Vancouver
Regional Library aims to significantly increase services and play a more central role in the community by more than tripling the
current space (to 90,000 square feet), and providing indoor and outdoor meeting and presentation space for civic events. By
relocating to the urban core as part of a four-block 600,000 square foot mixed-use development the library will enjoy a well deserved
prominence in a highly accessible new location. Four stories of program will radiate around an active and organizing atrium space,
encouraging patrons to travel through the various collections, browse media in a ‘retail’ sense, and to participate in the various
programs and events in the library. Places designed for lingering will encourage more casual, comfortable use of the building by the
community, and will culminate in roof-top reading room and terrace with views of the adjacent public plaza and the city.
The Library District’s emphasis on early learning and early literacy has led to the inclusion of children’s museum-like Early
Learning Center as part of the facility. Partnerships with the local school district, community college, and Washington State
University have contributed to plans for pre-school and kindergarten classrooms, with research planned on literacy and early
learning development. (Miller Hull)
Fort Vancouver Regional Library, Vancouver, WA – USA 2009
Currently housed in a dated building at a site cut-off from the city by the freeway, the new Central Branch for the Fort Vancouver
Regional Library aims to significantly increase services and play a more central role in the community by more than tripling the
current space (to 90,000 square feet), and providing indoor and outdoor meeting and presentation space for civic events. By
relocating to the urban core as part of a four-block 600,000 square foot mixed-use development the library will enjoy a well deserved
prominence in a highly accessible new location. Four stories of program will radiate around an active and organizing atrium space,
encouraging patrons to travel through the various collections, browse media in a ‘retail’ sense, and to participate in the various
programs and events in the library. Places designed for lingering will encourage more casual, comfortable use of the building by the
community, and will culminate in roof-top reading room and terrace with views of the adjacent public plaza and the city. The
Library District’s emphasis on early learning and early literacy has led to the inclusion of children’s museum-like Early Learning
Center as part of the facility. Partnerships with the local school district, community college, and Washington State University have
contributed to plans for pre-school and kindergarten classrooms, with research planned on literacy and early learning development.
(Miller Hull)
Black Diamond Branch Library, Black Diamon, WA – USA 2009
Miller Hull and BNBuilders formed a design build team for the design & construction of 5 King County Libraries: Location: King
County Library System, Washington
Awards:
2008 AIA BIM Award, Honorable Mention
2008 DBIA NW Design Build Awards, Best Overall Building Project
• Muckleshoot Library - 6,000 square feet (expandable to 10,000)
• Snoqualmie Library - 6,000 square feet
• Black Diamond Library - 5,000 square feet
• Fall City Library - 5,000 square feet
• Carnation Library - 5,000 square feet
Each library replaces an older, outdated building. Some have been located in the exact same place as the original, some were sited
elsewhere on the same property, and others were design designed and constructed on a different piece of property that better serves
its growing community. Each branch devotes space to collections for adults, teens and children. Also included are new technologies,
public space (and meeting rooms), and customer service. Behind the scenes areas include administration work space and
maintenance functions.
The modern library functions more like a community center and gathering place than the library of the past. Learning and
exploring are still the main functions, but the way they are achieved is more open and inclusive. The new libraries serve as the
"heart of the community," a place where local organizations meet, citizenship classes are taught, political activity takes place, KCLS
programs are conducted, materials are lent, and used books are purchased. Meeting rooms function as quiet study areas when
meetings are not being held.
Though the branches are small, they are vital to each community and have been designed to have significant street presence, a
transparency that advertises goings on and invites the user. Each branch is designed for its population and reflects the distinctive
character of each community. (Miller)
Snoqualmie Branch Library, City of Snoqualmie, WA – USA 2007
Northgate Library and Community Center, Seattle, WA – USA 2006
Miller|Hull worked with the Seattle Department of Parks & Recreation and Seattle Public Libraries on a joint venture project in the
Northgate neighborhood of Seattle. The 3.5 acre site for the new civic center is across 5th Avenue from the Northgate Shopping
Center. The east side of the property is adjacent to a residential neighborhood and the Thornton Creek watershed park. This
project creates a pedestrian link between the hardscape retail development, and the wooded, residential community it serves.
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