Library Buildings around the World

Schacht Aslani Architects, Seattle, WA – USA
http://www.saarch.com
Libraries:
Olympic College, College Instruction Center, Bremerton, WA – USA 2014
The College Instruction Center houses a 270-seat theater and instructional space for Fine Art, Music and Health Occupations. It is a
pivotal project in the realization of the College's master plan. Located at the main entry to campus, the building joins the new
Library, Science & Tech and Humanities Buildings to create a central quadrangle. Two city streets will be vacated as part of the
project to complete the campus pedestrian spine and create a formal vehicular entry and drop off.
The building's two-story atrium opens into the campus spine, serving as a lobby for the theater, providing student gathering space
and creating a sense of community for the multiple programs housed in the facility. Student study and breakout spaces are arranged
on multiple levels around the lobby to create a hub of spaces that foster student interaction, encouraging engagement and
collaboration.
Active learning classrooms provide a state-of-the art instructional resource based on an innovative model that was pioneered by the
University of Minnesota. Round study tables with space for eight students are arranged so that each table has its own LCD wall
display and white board. The configuration allows instructors to lecture to the entire class or assign group projects. The video
displays are linked so that solutions and discoveries made by one group can be shared with the entire class. The room can
accommodate 90 students or be subdivided into two, 45 seat spaces.
Innovative mechanical and electrical systems, including 90% heat recovery and a 100kw solar array, contribute to the building's
ambitious sustainable design agenda. (Schacht)
King County Library System, Auburn, WA – USA 2012
Expansion of the Auburn Library transforms the 15,000 square foot building to serve contemporary KCLS programs. The glass
walls of the 5,000 square foot addition wrap around two sides of the original building, increasing the visibility of the library and
opening up to views of Les Gove Park.
Inside, the changes start at the front door, where the entry is modified to increase access. A new central reading area provides a
place for people in the heart of the library. Reconfigured collections shelving improves sight lines. The addition contains a new
children's area and a flexible meeting room that is contained by operable glass walls that allow it to be used for a wide range of
programs. The project includes new parking facilities as well as structural and electrical improvements. (Schacht)
Library Media Center & Faculty Administration Building, Peninsula College, Port Angeles, WA – USA
2007
27.000 sqf., $ 12.500.000
Awards:
AIA WA Council Civic Design Award, Merit Award, 2010
American School & University Louis I. Kahn Citation Award, 2009
AIA Seattle – what makes it green ? 2006
The new Library and Adminsitration Building create a gateway to the Peninsula College campus, inviting people to engage in the life
of the academic community. The one-story, 27,500-square-foot library is organized around a spacious reading room that has a
commanding view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island to the north. two-story, 7,500-square-foot Administration
Building sits to the east of the library. The new buildings are linked by an existing concrete and brick arcade, which serves as a
pedestrian bridge over the main entry. Originally, the arcade supported a wood-framed structure with eight small faculty offices.
The offices were demolished in order to open up the view over the bridge, which is a local icon reflected in the college’s graphic logo.
The new buildings are designed in a contemporary design aesthetic of brick, wood, steel and glass that fits with the vernacular of the
college’s original wood-framed, 1960s structures. Sustainability is integrated into the design. Heating and cooling are provided by
geothermal-well fields that supply an under-floor air distribution system. Daylighting reduces the need for electrical lighting. Rain
gardens accept runoff from roof surfaces and create lush planting areas that line the pedestrian routes around the building. "The
juxtaposition of the new and the old is very intriguing. The choice of materials, design of spaces and treatment of volumes create a
light and airy learning environment."--2009 jury ( http://schoolbuildings.com )
Douglas-Truth Branch, Seattle Public Library, Seattle, WA – USA 2006
Location: 2300 E. Yesler Way/Seattle, WA, Completion Date: October 2006, Gross square footage: 16,493 sq.ft., Total project cost:
$5.1 million
Awards:
AIA Washington Council Civic Design Award 2007
AIA Seattle Project-of-the-Month, Fe. 2007
Seattle Magazine, Best of Architecture 2006
AIA Seattle both/and exhibit 2003
A sleek metal-clad addition complements a branch library's historic main building.Douglass-Truth Branch Library has served a
diverse community in Seattle’s Central area for over 80 years. Today, it has an annual audience of nearly 300,000 patrons. An
expansion designed by Schacht Aslani Architects meets the needs of the library’s current users and complements the character of its
historic architecture. The bulk of the addition is located below grade to the east side of the historic structure. The green space to the
west of the library, at the corner of 23rd and Yesler, and views of the library’s most prominent facades were preserved. The historic
main entry continues to provide access to the expanded library. Inside, the integrity of the original building, with its grand reading
room, classical detailing and oak bookcases, was maintained. A curving grand stair takes patrons from the historic building down to
the adult reading room in the addition. The city’s African American collection is housed in this new space. The new reading room is
covered by a light monitor that brings generous amounts of daylight into the new structure and frames views looking back to the
historic building. A new meeting room, at the same level as the historic building, has windows that look out over the new reading
room and a separate exterior entry for after hours use. The sloped roof of the light monitor covers both the meeting room and the
lower level reading areas, tying together the spaces inside the addition. This form is separated from the historic building by a curved
glass connector, which contains the grand stair. The exterior of the addition facing the historic library is glazed, reflecting the color
and details of the landmark building by day and allowing light inside the addition to spill out at night, creating an inviting beacon for
passersby.
Spellman Library, Grays Harbor College, Aberdeen, WA – USA 2003
Predesign, architectural, site & interior design for expansion of 17,000 sf building to 25,000 sf including library, art gallery,
computer labs & classrooms.
Awards:
186