Library Buildings around the World

The west side of Denver is culturally diverse and known for its large immigrant population. After several community meetings an
architectural concept was generated; Library as Greenhouse — an incubator for growth.
In addition to vibrancy and strength, this library must exhibit and celebrate the community it exists within. As such the building
will embrace its urban setting by establishing highly active zones along the historic Colfax Avenue thoroughfare, while
simultaneously creating private and secure gathering areas for those who explore deeper into the branch.
One of the primary goals of the project is to set a new standard in sustainability. The “Greenhouse” concept led to the establishment
of a three-story plenum WALL that behaves like a light, water, and air filter for the building and its occupants. The WALL, in
combination with a raised floor system, will safeguard water, facilitate a passive displacement ventilation system, invite and filter
natural daylight into the library, and showcase the building’s automated systems.
In response to the local cultures and as a complement to the gritty urban setting, the building will feature an interior courtyard on
the second floor to invite daylight into the middle of the building and provide a respite from the city. (Studiotrope)
Colorado State University, William E. Morgan Library, Fort Collins, CO – USA 2012
Centrally located on campus the Morgan Library has the opportunity to be a study beacon, inducing activity and heavy use,
attracting and expanding the interests of both individual scholarly pursuit and shared knowledge via group study. The existing entry
sequence was intimidating and difficult to navigate, discouraging many students and faculty from using or even entering the facility.
The new addition respects its location at the center of campus and imbues a revived presence, an approachable entry, and an
indoor/outdoor connection. The architecture showcases sustainability and efficiency, order and simplicity. The primary use adjacent
to the entry is iconic and representative of the new academic paradigm, that of serendipitous knowledge. Coined the "Energy
Chamber," this primary space is an aesthetically impressive, iconic study venue that gives students and faculty a strong sense of
connectivity to each other and to the CSU campus. (Studiotrope)
Ross-Cherry Library, Denver, CO – USA 2012
Ross-Cherry Creek Library is one of six Denver Public Library branches designated as a Contemporary Service Style. After
completing the program for this service style, sDC was commissioned to implement the new design guidelines and reinvent the
interior of this branch.
Selective re-configuration has resulted in a rebirth of the interior spatial relationships, creating ultra-flexible open spaces.
Furnishings and wayfinding have been integrated into the overall retrofit in a manner that lends to self-help and self-discovery. The
vertical circulation components have been improved so customers can explore the entire facility without guidance.
A component of the program unique to the Contemporary Service Style is the ‘beehive’, a space that will beckon and intrigue
customers to stay in touch with current trends and the latest information. Furnishings in and around the beehive cater to an
intensified customer-staff interactivity, encouraging information seekers to mix with information providers. (Studiotrope)
Spanish Peaks Library, Walsenburg, CO – USA 2010
studiotrope Design Collective was commissioned to rehabilitate the abandoned Huerfano County High School, which was on the
National Register of Historic Places, into the new Spanish Peaks Main Library. The newly formed District chose to take an
aggressively innovative approach to expanding the building into a new type of community incubator; a Library and Learning Center
combined. Studiotrope was chosen first to study the feasibility of rehabilitating the abandoned relic and second to help define and
create the multi-use community center. The rehabilitation of a property on the National Historic Registry required acute sensitivity
towards the historic defining characteristics of the existing architectural features and context. The finished building is a direct
response to these characteristics as it celebrates the unique qualities of the past century and showcases today’s technological
advances.
Publications:
A Brilliant New Chapter (Studiotrope)
Council Tree Library, Fort Collins, CO – USA 2009
Located in the recently developed Front Range Village in Fort Collins, the new 17,000 square foot Council Tree Library provides a
progressive, modern interior coupled with services tailored to a new library experience. Taking advantage of its location in a mixeduse
development, the new branch reinvents the traditional public library while simultaneously enhancing the adjacent shopping
experience. This synergistic relationship between a public library and private sector commercialism is rarely as apparent as exists at
the Council Tree branch. The cross-pollination between ‘Village’ shoppers and library patrons is palpable and makes a profound
statement about the role of a public library in contemporary society. All of the signage and most of the furnishings were also
designed by studiotrope. This approach ensured a highly functional interior without sacrificing distinctiveness.
Publications:
New Colorado Library Second Nationwide To Gain LEED Platinum (Studiotrope)
Bear Valley Library, Denver, CO – USA 2009
Bear Valley Library is one of six Denver Public Library branches designated as a Contemporary Service Style. After completing the
program for this service style, studiotrope was commissioned to implement the new design guidelines and reinvent the interior of this
branch. Looking back to history of the site we found images of Native Americans living near a small creek where trees were
clustered along the water. This led us to think about how important the tree was in this environment: shelter; tool making; security;
warmth, etc. We also began to look at the tree as an abstract form to examining the pattern of their rings and color variations. Along
with that we looked to incorporate water and how it reflects its surroundings and the journey of the bear in the valley. Furnishings
and wayfinding have been integrated into the overall retrofit in a manner that lends to self-help and self-discovery. A component of
the program unique to the Contemporary Service Style is the ‘beehive’, a space that beckons and intrigues customers to stay in touch
with current trends and the latest information. Furnishings in the beehive cater to intensified customer/staff interactivity,
encouraging information seekers to mix with information providers. (Studiotrope)
Swanke Hayden Connell Architects, New York, NY – USA
http://www.shca.com
Libraries:
Open University Library and Learning Resources Centre, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes – UK 2004
68.900 sqf., $ 19.332.000
In recent years, libraries have changed beyond recognition in response to the challenges of new technology. They are nowthe
springboard for a wide variety of information sources. This was the driving force behind the design of the new library at The
Open University, a world leader in distance learning. The new building creates 68,890 square feet for collections, areas,
reader spaces and an interactive open learning center. The three-story library has two wings on either side of a central open
space or atrium. This distinctive space provides lighting into the heart of the building and orientation for the students. The
simple plan and building form create the best value for the client and provide maximum flexibility. The design reflects the
dignity and quality associated with a significant academic building for an important national academic institution. The
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