Library Buildings around the World

programmed areas for Children, Teens and Elders, a cafe and retail space for the Friends of Yuma Library. Studio Ma created a
daylighting strategy that transformed the scale and quality of the interior and exterior of the library by adding four double height
light 'monitors'.
The design of this state of the art facility reflects the community's desire for a contemporary library that acknowledges its historic
standing in Yuma. Local points of pride such as the Colorado River, the Gila Trail and the local tale, 'Roxaboxen' are woven into
the project through physical and representational references providing a lens through which to understand the changing nature of
the community. Yuma Crossing, the legacy of the Colorado River and the Santa Fe Trail in the history of Yuma inspired the plan of
the library, organized along this 'crossing' in quadrants with curviliear screen walls made of coiled metal fabric designating the
Teen's area and the Children's area. Studio Ma drew inspiration from 'Roxaboxen' by author Alice McLerran, a native of Yuma,
Arizona, in the selection of furnishings, manipulatives, interactive lighting and a magnetic screen wall - all elements to foster
interactive place making. (Studio Ma)
Studio Meng Strazzara, Seattle, WA – USA
http://www.studioms.com
Daniel J. Evans Library, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA – USA Phase I 2007, Phase II 2009
330,000 sqf. total for Phase I and II, Project Cost: Ph I $ 14.000.000, Ph II $ 15.000.000
The Phase I modernization began with a complete renovation of the north end of this main campus building. The entire existing
TESC library was gutted to its concrete structure and the new remodeled Library constructed within 3 different floors of the
existing 1970's building. Phase II completely reworked all of the major divisions in the existing structure. These office areas include
the President's Office and Boardroom, College Advancement, College Relations, Business Offices, Enrollment Services, and many
other administrative areas. One exciting new feature is a 3-story, glass-walled exterior stairway, which replaces the functionally
obsolete existing lobby stairway at the building's main entry. It visually connects the three main student access floor lobbies and
makes the main building lobby much more functional for gatherings and events. (Studio Meng)
Studios architecture, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA – USA
http://www.studiosarchitecture.com
Libraries:
Santa Teresa Branch Library, San José, CA – USA 2010
21,000 sqf
The new Santa Teresa Branch Library features high ceilings and abundant daylighting with large window walls and skylights. The
materials palette includes cork flooring, curved metal ceilings, and exposed structural elements such as steel columns and beams. A
marble wall and a two-story sculptural glass tower mark the main entryway. The outdoor public area along the east side of the
building features an exposed steel overhang as well as art installations, planters, and views into the library. This building integrates
many sustainable design measures, and anticipates LEED certification. The design of the new building incorporates a high level of
transparency, with library operations visible to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The interior spaces of the library draw from
retail merchandising display principles and employ residential scaled components to create a comfortable and welcoming
community destination. (Studios)
University of Cincinnati Care/ Crawley Building (Library), Cincinnati, OH – USA 2008
SIZE: 1,100,000 sqf.
The University of Cincinnati - known for its use of signature architects - selected STUDIOS to design the renovation and expansion
of its health sciences complex. The project creates a one building campus for the Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy and Nursing, as well
as a Student Commons for use by the general university population. STUDIOS designed a 246,000 square-foot, multi-story addition,
providing the interaction space lacking from the original 900,000 square-foot 1970s concrete high-rise structure. The addition is
connected to the existing building through a full height atrium, enveloping the exterior open space to create a large, urban room that
encourages socialization and collegiality. (Studios)
Evergreen Branch Library, San José, CA – USA 2006
21,000 sf
The City of San Jose selected STUDIOS to design the Evergreen Library, part of a public bond-funded group of city branch
libraries. The architecture of the new onestory library -- which is sited adjacent to a public park amid a largely residential
area -- conveys a distinct civic presence without disrupting the scale of neighboring structures. A pronounced canopy supported by a
large concrete column marks the building’s entryway. STUDIOS’ concept for the interior spaces draws from retail merchandising
display principles and residential design paradigms. The latest releases in technology and literature are showcased in the library’s
foyer. A warm, welcoming reading lounge -- the “Living Room” -- features two fireplaces and looks out onto a small sculpture
garden. Wood-slat ceilings bring warmth to the space. Clerestory windows provide diffused natural light and help articulate the
library as an approachable community destination rather than a traditional “book fortress.” (Studios)
Studiotrope Design Collective, Denver, CO – USA
http://studiotrope.com
sDC was commissioned to create a program document establishing design guidelines for DPL branch libraries tailored to current
and future trends in contemporary service. After half a dozen focus groups, researching relevant theories in other disciplines, and
data collection from numerous case studies as widespread as facilities outside the United States, sDC identified the guiding principles
and building DNA of a theoretically new type of library. An entire culture is emerging surrounding contemporary public libraries
and the customers they attract. This culture is rooted in diversity and creativity. The contemporary customer wants immediate
gratification, social interaction, and an environment where they can touch and try new things. There currently exists a great
opportunity to attract and satisfy the demanding needs of this person, and subsequently turn them into a library customer. The
Contemporary Service Style library has before it this great challenge, a challenge that can be satisfied with the right mix of
materials, programs, and services. A mix that will be in constant flux and must always be responsive to the contemporary culture it
exists within.
Libraries:
West Denver Branch Library, Denver, CO – USA 2014
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