Library Buildings around the World

NHB Group, Birmingham AL – USA
http://www.nhbgroup.net
Libraries:
Levi Watkins Learning Center, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL – USA 2011
Owner Alabama State University, Architect NHB Group, LLC, Engineering Consultants MBA Structural Engineers, Structural
Engineer Zgouvas, Eiring & Associates, Contractor Rabren General Contractors, Square Footage 46,000 SF Addition, 86,964 SF
Renovation, Costs Total $ 16.700.000, New $ 7.800.000
The new addition and renovationsto the Levi Watkins Learning Center consist of a five floor addition to the existing library as well
as complete interior and exterior renovation to the existing library. Renovations include installing new electrical and
Mechanicalsystems to bring the existing building into full compliance with the 2006 International Building Code, a new HVAC
system, furniture, carpeting, shelving systems and staff office renovations. The addition allows the library to be a resource to the 21st
Century student by providing the technology, research facilities and academic support that will serve current and future ASU
students and faculty for yearsto come. Once the project is completed, the library will have the capability to expand the archives and
special collections and will house new information commons areas, group study areas for faculty and students as well as an internet
cafe with outdoorseating. The addition will also increase shelving space to accommodate ASU's nine new academic programs. (NHB
Group)
NHDM (Nahyun Hwang, David Eugin Moon), University of Michigan (Taubman
College), Ann Arbor – USA
http://www.nhdm.net
Libraries:
Nam June Paik Library, Nam June Paik Art Center, Yong-In – Korea 2011
The Nam June Paik Library is a new public art library in Nam June Paik Art Center in Yong-In, Korea, open to general
public on April 15th, 2011. The library was designed by a U.S. based design and research collaborative N H D M / Nahyun
Hwang + David Eugin Moon. The library collects, preserves, and provides access to historical and contemporary material
related to Nam June Paik and his art. It offers to scholars a space for professional research, and to the local community an
open forum for cultural engagement. The library houses and circulates the Center’s Nam June Paik Archives Collection,
Nam June Paik Video Archives, and a rare Fluxus Footages Collection, as well as the user generated materials. The design
and construction of the library was made possible by City of YongIn and Gyeoggi Province Government’s Small Library
Fund. Inspired by Nam June Paik’s artistic processes, the goal of the project was to design a multi-functional spatial device,
which redefines the relationship between library users and information. While the conventional library is characterized by
the one directional transmission of information, where the static, centralized, and predefined content is passively received by
the readers, the Nam June Paik Library aims to promote non-linear and random access to information, to stimulate
production of information beyond consumption and advocates spontaneous expression and juxtaposition of ideas. The
Library Machine located in the center of the library deploys the following 6 architectural and programmatic devices.
1. Scattering
The juxtaposition of the dispersed information produces complexity that contrasts the simple geometric initial form.
2. Non-Textual Content / Off-Site
Objects related to Paik’s work are scattered, plugged, and mapped throughout the surface of the machine. Reprogrammable
dynamic media can communicate Paik’s previous works, as well as information on artistic and other happenings from the
off-site locations of interest.
3. Physical Engagement
Additional storage areas and unique shelving in the long drawers are incorporated to help the future expansion of the
collection, while inducing curiosity, interactivity, and playful engagement.
4. Production Lab
Inside the machine is reading, installation, video laboratories, and a space also for debates and group workshops.
5. “Representation Cells”
Content is also generated by users who can contribute to the information exchange. Small spaces or vitrines are made
available for public display.
6. Library “Machinettes,” The Propagation Aides
Parts of the machine can detach as independent modules and can freely travel to other rooms or even outdoors to perform
communicative functions, such as video projections or sound performances.
The design attempts to make the intangible physical and to turn a personal experience to a collective and interactive one.
Through the Library, the contents become dynamic, and the consumer of information becomes the producer. The collective
generation and appreciation of information makes the library experience multi-directional and reciprocal.
(http://www.dezeen.com)
Noll and Tamm Architects, Berkeley, CA – USA
Cris Noll, Janet Tam
http://www.nollandtam.com
Libraries:
Alameda Branch Libraries, Almeda, CA – USA 2011
City: Alameda Free Library, City of Alameda, Construction Cost: $ 2.000.000
After a feasibility study for the City of Alameda, Noll & Tam was hired to renovate two branch libraries. We worked closely with
library administration and city staff to give them the most “bang for the buck,” resulting in upgrades to accessibility, electrical and
data systems, HVAC, new furniture, lighting fixtures, and finishes. The historic West End branch received structural and seismic
improvements. (Noll)
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