Library Buildings around the World

The design team was handed a blank slate: a flat, 4-acre dirt lot in a sprawling development still in the blueprint phase. A park was
planned for a site bordering the library. In terms of existing reference points, the architects didn’t have much to work with. “We
were faced with this denuded piece of desert,” explains James Richärd, firm principal. Also, the budget was tight. “This was a
design-build project,” he says, “which tend to be cost-driven and very sensitive to constructability.”
In the end, the firm created an economical, distinctive landmark. The low-slung building comprises three shifted bars clad in glass
and concrete. On the north, self-supporting 14-by-12-foot tilt-up slabs are spaced several feet apart, permitting views. In contrast,
the southern facade, which fronts a road and drainage area, features a band of tightly stitched panels. All of the slabs have an
attractive rough-hewn surface — a clever manipulation of a prosaic material.
The library’s most striking feature is its undulating roof, which extends slightly beyond the exterior walls. The roof actually consists
of three parts. Two rolling planes, supported by steel columns, float above the outer bars. A flat roof, held up by concrete masonry
walls, covers the central bar and accommodates mechanical equipment.
The roof’s wavy form was inspired by Lake Pleasant, a popular nearby attraction. This aquatic theme is evident in other parts of the
building. Evoking boat portholes, circular cutouts are found in roof overhangs and concrete slabs. The designers also used bluetinted
glass throughout. Richärd notes that the library’s cool color palette — charcoal, azure, sage — is a departure for his firm.
“It’s very different from our traditional Southwestern response,” he says.
The building’s layout is relatively straightforward. A recessed main entrance leads into the central volume, where visitors find justreleased
books, computers, and, at the rear, a teen zone. The south bar houses the adult area and multipurpose room, while the
children’s zone and administrative functions occupy the north volume. Shaded, Wi-Fi-enabled courtyards provide pleasant areas for
retreat.
The facility has a hip vibe, due in large part to funky lounge chairs and bold artwork. It also boasts a number of green features, and
its LEED Silver certification is pending.
Hunenberg says the library’s new home is a hit with residents. Circulation is up 108 percent, and thousands of additional patrons
are streaming in each month. “I’ve not heard one negative comment, not even from people who don’t like contemporary
architecture,” he adds. The sole downer: The recession has stalled development in the area, and it’s unclear when the planned park
will be built. For now, the library overlooks a depressing vacant lot.
Despite the lackluster view, Sunrise Mountain Library is an exuberant landmark that serves a vital public function in a budding
community. Richärd + Bauer has succeeded in creating another civic gem for the expansive Valley of the Sun.
(http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/Building_types-study/libraries/2011/sunrise-mountain-library.asp)
Harmon Library, Phoenix Public Library, Phoenix, AZ – USA 2009
Awards:
2001 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards
Jury Comments
Here is a powerful community space delivered through a simple, open, effective floorplan.
The uplifting, light, upper volume transforms the space into something more- something almost spiritual.
Elements like the simple furniture are consistent with the project’s overall idea of resourcefulness— simple, humble details done
right
Notable is the real economy here: a limited number of brushstrokes, each one done so very effectively.
This is a small library in the heart of an urban park in downtown Phoenix. Over time the diverse neighborhood has integrated the
library as a key element within the community: a place to connect for adults and an important after-school resource for working
families.
Celebrating the wide diversity and demographic of the community, the building is conceived as a kaleidoscope. The design involves a
primary linear space framed on each end with a large expanse of saw-tooth glass. Colored linear skylights and slot windows along
the upper skin refract light throughout the space, casting a dynamic and ever-changing play of color. The interior of the reading
area’s upper volume is lined in perforated metal, and lighting and color provide the kaleidoscope effect down the length of the
building.
Establishing a core reading area, the 25’ high central volume suspends graphic panels from the structural trusses, composing a
lyrical play of texture and color reflecting across floor, walls, and furniture.
The library provides multi-purpose spaces for the vastly different age groups that make up the clientele. Exterior and interior spaces
were organized to permit a variety of spatial opportunities without compromising divergent age groups needs. Large sliding doors
open to provide flexible meeting space for community gatherings. Open courtyards are organized adjacent to each age group’s
spaces. The 12,500 square foot building includes a large public meeting room, dedicated study space and exterior garden courts.
(http://www.aia.org/practicing/awards/2011/library-awards/phoenix-public-libraries-harmon-branch/index.htm)
Wheeler Taft Abbett jr. Library, Marana, AZ – USA 2008
City of Apache Junction Library, Children´s Wing Addition, Apache Junction, AZ – USA 2008
Architect: Richard + Bauer, Location: Apache, Arizona, Construction Cost: $5.5 Million, Project Size: 30,500 gsf
Convergent Technologies Design Group provided complete programming services for audiovisual systems for the expansion and
renovation of the Apache Junction Library. Space plans include: Step Into the Story Experience Theater, Enchanted Book, a 3-D
Projection Room, a Café and an Aquarium. Scope of work includes identifying performance features/minimum requirements on a
per space basis for all A/V systems and cost estimating services for the planned A/V systems. In conjunction with Apache Junction
Library officials CTDG identified the needs and space requirements for the project. The expansion project is expected to add an
additional 10,500 square feet to the already 20,000 square feet building. The City of Apache Junction hopes to provide greater access
to information and learning resources for library patrons and increase overall library visits through the expansion and renovation
project. The expansion and renovations to the Apache Junction Library have been successfully complete since the summer of 2008.
(http://www.ctdginc.com/city-of-apache-junction-library-childrens-wing-addition-av-systems-programming)
Arabian Library, Scottsdale, AZ – USA, 2007
Awards:
Award der AIA 2008
Richärd+Bauer draws people through a rusting-steel canyon and into Scottsdale’s Arabian Public Library.
By Nancy Levinson
(This is an excerpt of an article from the June 2008 edition of Architectural Record)
In the far-flung suburban expanses of greater Phoenix, civic life can be hard to come by. Gated communities define—and
depopulate—the street scene. Wide arterials make driving breezy and walking dicey. Social mixing happens mostly at malls. Yet
metropolitan Phoenix has kept a hold on civic culture, and nowhere is the hold firmer than in the local support of that most idealistic
and benevolent of municipal programs, the public library.
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