Library Buildings around the World

Library Media Center, Glendale Community College, Glendale, AZ – USA 2000
Maricopa County Community College District, Glendale Community College, 40,500 sf / 2.8M / Completed: July 2000
The project program includes the modernization of the library to provide on-line research capability, “plug & play” technology at
carrels, tables, distance learning classroom, audio/visual presentation, media viewing/instructional support room and collaborative
classroom.
concept
Located at the heart of a mid-sixties community college, this project is the complete abatement, renovation and expansion of a dark
and outdated library and classroom building. In addition to fully renovating the project included a 4,000 sf sky lit courtyard
enclosure that houses the electronic resources area as its centerpiece.
Conceived as a series of layers within the existing concrete structure; a pair of opposing concave scratch plaster walls house the book
collection, create a screen behind which the administrative functions occur, and reorient the entry toward the main pedestrian mall.
Lighting and day-lighting features emphasize a warm interior study environment.
Experienced from the outside, the transparency of light and shadow changes dramatically from day to night, activating the center of
the campus. An outdoor courtyard and sculpture garden is designed to the south of the building; this extends the program space of
the reading room by accommodating a shaded seating area and secure space for outdoor reading. (Richärd)
Mesquite Branch Public Library, Phoenix, AZ – USA 1998
Client: City of Phoenix, 18,000 sf / 1.2M / 1998
This project represents a near doubling of a bustling 1978 branch library. The program called for an approximately 10,500 sf
addition for expanded collection, new entry, meeting room and upgraded toilet rooms. Extensive renovation of the existing building
includes expanded children’s storytime room, staff areas and circulation work areas.
concept
Integrating the building with its man made surroundings was a major design goal of the library. The building was conceived to blend
seamlessly with the existing building, effectively creating a single, new library. The design incorporates a continual rhythm of
materials and structure, which compliment and contrast the original building. The radial tilt slab concrete walls reflect the primary
material of the existing building and serves as a marker for the entry. Weathered galvalume metal is utilized for wall and roof
surfaces to contrast with the mass of the concrete walls.
Integrating with the natural environment also plays a critical role in the design of the building. Throughout the structure there are
numerous “moments” which bind the building to its natural surroundings. Responding to the natural Phoenix climate an outdoor
reading court was created on the West side of the building complete with shade trees and fountain. The interaction of light
throughout the building captures the intensity of the southwestern sun while desert colors and ideas of reflection adorn the interior.
Conservation of natural resources ties in closely with the buildings interaction with the natural environment. The outdoor lounge
maximizes usable lounge space while limiting the building footprint and its impact on the environment. The building is not only
designed to be playful with light but its organizing concept maximizes the benefits of natural daylight with minimal heat gain.
Throughout the building materials are expressed in their natural state, demonstrating the intrinsic beauty of each and eliminating
the need for additional materials and decorative coatings.
Contribution to environmental awareness is an underlying theme throughout the building. Each component of the building, from
glazing and exterior enclosure to mechanical and electrical systems are exposed demonstrating the dynamics of the building
environment. The extensive use of natural daylight and views allow the interior of the building to change with the moments of the
day, sun, sky and cloud. (Richärd)
RIM Architects / RIM Design, Anchorage, Alaska – USA
http://www.rimarchitects.com
Libraries:
The Scott & Wesley Gerrish and Community Center, Girdwood, AK – USA 2008
8.000 sq ft.
The Scott and Wesley Gerrish Library has seen record-breaking numbers since the Anchorage Public Library opened the new
branch in late May 2008. Visits to the library have jumped 69% from January to June. In that same period, circulation of materials
has risen 30% and attendance at children’s programs is up 57%. The library’s newfound popularity demonstrates the vital role that
libraries play in bringing communities together and providing residents with important access to information and materials. “We’ve
received numerous comments from the public that the new Gerrish Branch is beautiful, with a welcoming feel to it. More patrons are
motivated to use the library now, because in addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, with the additional computers and
expanded space, it has much more to offer than the old library,” stated Branch Supervisor Denise Dargan. The library and
community room fills a big gap for Girdwood. Previously, the library operated out of a 1,500 square foot space in the Girdwood
Elementary and Jr. High School. The new building provides 3,938 square feet for the library, 2,534 square feet for a community
meeting room, and 396 square feet of office space for the Girdwood Board of Supervisors. The library has ten Internet accessible
public use computers and the entire building has wireless capabilities, which allows visitors to the library and community room to
access the Internet from their laptops. (http://www.anchoragelibraryfoundation.org)
University of Alaska/Alaska Pacific University Consortium Library, Anchorage, AK – USA 2004
333.000 sq ft.
Awards:
2005 Drive By Jury's "Most Original" Award, American Institute of Architects (AK Chapter)
2004 Regional Gold Award for Complexity, American Council of Engineering Companies - awarded to Reid Middleton
2004 Top Construction Award/Meeting the Challenge of A Job Over $5 Million, Vertical Construction
Associated General Contractors (AK Chapter) - awarded to Cornerstone Construction
Literature:
“Radius Walls For Library” : Pacific Builder & Engineer Magazine; December 6, 2002
The University desired to architecturally express the advancement of information technology with a "Library of the 21st Century".
Thus, the impact of evolving information technologies was a point of focus for the program and design. Access was provided to the
entire range of information resources, including print and audio visual materials held by local libraries, data accessible through the
Internet, and digital libraries. A gracious nod to technology of the past was articulated by the installation of a Foucault Pendulum
which anchors the facility’s grand stairway. While the architectural statement is drawn from a technological focus, the design
incorporates natural elements of Alaska and its culture. The desire was to provide a visual gateway to the architecturally shy
campus. Bold colors and patterns were utilized to enliven the interiors against a dark, northern winter. The pedestrian approach to
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