Library Buildings around the World

Public space for gathering, reading, and learning anchors the library plan in the center. Collections, computers, and other resources
enclose this modestly scaled civic space, inverting conventional retail planning principles.
Books are celebrated in a continuous shelving display which wraps the storefront social area and connects to a quieter reading area
at the back. Ramps provide universal access to a raised platform: an elevated prospect for browsers and readers. (SHKS)
Fife Library, Fife, WA – USA 2011
The Pierce County Library System is building the first library to open in the City of Fife, to serve a small community hungry for a
community gathering place and a facility with all kinds of connectivity. To meet a tight funding timeframe and budget the Client
opted for a factory-constructed modular system, to be constructed off-site as transportable sections, finished and ready for
installation on a conventional concrete foundation. Located along a busy commercial arterial, the new library establishes a vital
street presence, encouraging pedestrian and bike access. A landscaped urban sidewalk and a compact terrace invite patrons to
gather at the entry. The design offers patrons comfortable seating, natural light, a warm and inviting social scene and spectacular
views to Mount Rainier. Designated areas for children and teens are distinctly designed with the users in mind: bright and pleasant
spaces gather the community’s kids and young adults for reading, doing homework, socializing and learning. The broader
community is served with multiple computer stations, a variety of shared reading areas and cozy nooks, and a spacious meeting
room for events and lectures. Slated to open in the Fall of 2011, the Fife branch will be the first new library built as part of the PCLS
2030 Vision Master Plan.
(http://2011honorawards.aiaseattle.org/nude1501)
Milton-Edgewood Library, Milton, WA – USA 2011
The Pierce County Library System's Milton Edgewood Library opened in January 2011. It serves a small community hungry for an
updated library: a community gathering place and a facility with all kinds of connectivity. The welcoming entry includes a rotating
display of new collections, giving visitors a clear view into the library.
A self-service desk for easy check-out and digital catalogue provides quick access to library resources. A meeting room that seats 65,
two conference rooms, and a study room provide additional resources. The fixture designs form a landscape of color and texture
suited to the groups of adults, teens and children using the library. Sustainable building practices include low-flow toilets and
faucets, and energy efficient lighting.
The reception area includes a desk for library staff to answer questions and facilitate patron access to collections. Comfortable
chairs provide a cozy place to sit and read or visit with neighbors.
The reception area includes a desk for library staff to answer questions and facilitate patron access to collections. Comfortable
chairs provide a cozy place to sit and read or visit with neighbors.
Teen patrons have a place of their own. A semi-circular seating area creates a comfortable nook for homework; three computers
provide internet access. The custom-designed furniture adds a lyrical touch to the well-ordered space.
The children's area has kid-size shelving and a “book tunnel” that leads to the audio-visual section. Children have access to two
computers with internet access and one AWE station – a children's learning computer. A small, “secret” door opens from the
children’s area directly to the meeting room for special activities and story-time. (SHKS)
Magnolia Library, Seattle, WA – 2010
The Seattle Public Library's Magnolia Branch presents a quintessential example of twentieth century Northwest architecture.
Designed by Seattle architect Paul Kirk and landscape architect Richard Haag, the branch opened in 1964; in 2003 it was designated
a Seattle landmark. The renovation and expansion, part of the Libraries for All bond measure, create new architectural
relationships with the original structure, and repair and upgrade the original building and its systems.
The renovation and expansion honor the existing building and site, and create warm, inviting spaces served by state of the art
energy, computer, and library systems. The project received a 2009 Washington State AIA Civic Design Award, an award from
Historic Seattle and was an AIA DJC Project of the Month.
The new meeting room shares a level of design clarity with the existing building while departing from its frame structure. The
flexible space provides a dignified civic gathering area and an intimately-scaled window seat for children’s story time.
The new meeting room and a group study space are joined to the original library through the after-hours entry. A board-formed
concrete wall forms a narrow addition that expands the staff work area. High windows and a carefully sculpted ceiling admit and
control daylight.
The new meeting room is intimate and open, sheltered and visually connected to the landscape. Carefully placed windows bring in
daylight and frame views to landscape elements. (SHKS)
University of Washington, Gould Hall Digital and Architecture Library, Digital Commons, Seattle, WA –
2006
Gould Hall, built in 1971, is the main building for the Department of architecture. It is named after Carl F. Gould (1873-1939),
founder and first Chair of the Department of Architecture. Architect Gene Zema and Professor Daniel Streissguth were the lead
designers of Gould Hall, in association with Dale Benedict and professors Grant Hildebrand and Claus Seligmann. Einar Svensson
and Professor Robert Albrecht were the structural engineers. The building is reinforced cast-in-place concrete. A large central skylit
atrium serves as a gathering place for the college. Gould Hall houses shared college facilities including the library, digital commons,
shop, visual resources collection, classrooms, and the dean’s office, as well as spaces for the Departments of Urban Design &
Planning and Landscape Architecture.
(http://arch.be.washington.edu/school/facilities)
The Digital Commons replaces 6,600 sq ft of unused storage space in Gould Hall’s sub-basement with unconventional, flexible,
instructional space meeting a College-wide need. The design process reflects the College’s collegiality by inviting students and faculty
into the design conversation about the character of learning space in the digital age. The design includes the range of perspectives on
a new learning environment, balancing flexibility and structure and creating informal learning spheres.
The mezzanine overlooks the Commons and helps the user orient to the space before entering. The focus is on optimizing resources
for students and faculty.
The Commons provides flexible areas for collaboration and individual study. Small group workspaces have their own lighting
controls, supporting the objective of student control. Moveable furniture and fixtures were chosen to make it easy for students to use
and adapt the space.
Whiteboards provide places for sharing ideas. Not a typical computer lab, this space reflects changes in social and learning behavior
– a place to hang out and use technology during and after class hours. Extensive light modeling studies were used in developing the
design to mitigate the feeling of being underground. The bright surfaces reflect light and color; clarifying the spatial organization.
A forty-student computer classroom is used for digital course instruction.
Students staff the “help desk” and equipment repair shop located beneath the mezzanine. The new blue elevator provides color and
accessibility. (SHKS)
King County Library System at Southcenter, Tukvilla, WA – USA 2004
The King County Library System Connection at the Southcenter Mall reflects the Library’s approach to literacy outreach - going
where the people are. In collaboration with library staff, SHKS combined retail and library expertise, bringing merchandising
concepts to the library context.
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