Library Buildings around the World

structure incorporated exposed precast concrete on the exterior and interior. The result is a simple, yet attractive design that
supports the low-energy approach. The design incorporates an efficient ratio of external wall to floor area, and the area of
glazing was a direct product of thermal models.
The library has been planned using space standards and enhanced floor loadings to generate flexibility. The emphasis is on
bright, open spaces that support a modern learning and research environment, but also provide for the future. It also
incorporates an extensive artwork program. ( http://schooldesigns.com )
Library are no longer simply places to study the traditional written word. The open uinversity stressed this important shift
when it appointed SHCH to design a new library on its Milton Keynes campus. Utilising the latest technologies, the new
Open University Library must host a wide variety of information resources. This new 6,503 sq m (70,000 sq ft) facility
houses collections, staff offices, and an interactive open learning centre on three floors. SHCA applied the experience
gleaned from its corporate projects to the tight program established by the University. A detailed appraisal of space
standards for offices and collections achieved full flexibility and effective departmental relationships. The simple, dignified
design integrates a low energy approach. Collections were located on the south side of the building and offices to the north to
minimise the effects of solar gain. A highly efficient plant, together with metering and monitoring systems, enable impressive
energy use targets to be met. Efficient lighting linked to occupancy sensors reduces electricity use while low-flow fittings
restrict water consumption. ( http://www.shca.com )
SWBR Architects, Rochester, NY – Syracuse, NY – USA
http://www.swbr.com
Libraries:
Spruce Street School, PS M 397, New York NY – USA 2009
Spruce Street School opened in fall of 2009 with three kindergarten classes and a goal to serve East Tribeca’s growing family
community. In 2011 it moved to the new Beekman Tower building at 12 Spruce Street after being housed for two years on the
ground floor of Tweed Courthouse, the Department of Education headquarters. At its permanent location, Spruce Street will expand
to serve grades pre-k-8.
Building and location: The 76-story Beekman Tower, designed by Frank Gehry, features a five-story wing of tan brick that houses
Spruce Street. The building features a large cafeteria, library, two-story auditorium, gym, art studios, and technology labs. It also
houses rental apartments, the New York Downtown Hospital, and street-level stores. The fourth floor has a roof deck with 5,000
square feet of outdoor play space.
School environment and culture: Principal Nancy Harris, a former assistant principal at CASTLE Middle School, believes that
learning is an “active process” and that schools are the pillars of strong communities. "Schools are shaped by their community, but
the community also benefits from the school," she told us. As a new school with a small population, parent involvement at Spruce
Street is strong. “Everyone's got the same mission,” said one parent, “to build an excellent school for our children."
(http://insideschool.org/elementary/browse/school/1623)
Oswego School District Public Library, Oswego, NY – USA 2008
Awards:
2009 Build New York Award
Founded by prominent abolitionist Gerritt Smith and originally constructed in 1855, the Oswego Public Library was the first in the
nation to be open to all residents regardless of race. The library is one of the only known abolitionist-founded institutions to remain
open to this day, and therefore is considered a historic landmark. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. In the late 1990s
this status became jeopardized. The structure was becoming fragile due to age and the facility itself was just too small for the
community. The options were few – move to a newer facility or try to revitalize what already existed. After much support from the
community, it was decided that the existing structure should be renovated. LeChase Construction Services, LLC was tasked with
removing the entire interior of the building, leaving only the four exterior clay brick walls, the 70-foot-tall tower structure and the
front staircase standing, restoring the interior and adding an 11,700-square-foot addition. Since this was a historic building, there
were many intricacies associated with dismantling and rebuilding the existing structure. Many constructability issues were not
known until demolition work progressed. A major challenge for the LeChase team was the development of a support system to hold
the exterior walls in place while the interior walls and roof were removed. Once the building was gutted, new structural steel frames
were inserted, enabling the 150-year-old façade to remain in place while the interior of the building was renovated. When it came
time to shore up the building, the LeChase team realized that the original shoring system would work on only three sides of the
building. There was an adjacent building on one side, and the support posts would not work within the limited space available. The
team quickly devised a plan to shore up that side of the building from the inside, while still allowing for the removal of the old
interior structure and the build-out of the new interior. As LeChase’s team began the arduous task of securing the inner four layers
of bricks together with masonry screws, it was discovered that the bricks were no longer lined up and uniform, but rather had
shifted over time. Major gaps needed to be filled with concrete mortar in order for the walls to be solid and secure. The original tin
ceiling was reinstalled in its original state once the renovations were completed. LeChase did a complete video survey of the ceiling,
cataloguing each individual piece of the ceiling to facilitate its precise and accurate reconstruction. Other challenges to the LeChase
team were the restoration and historic re-creation of the building’s windows, and significant structural and cosmetic repairs to the
exterior brick and stone base. The original entrance foyer with its curved, wood-railed staircases remained structurally sound but
underwent a complete architectural restoration. The Oswego School District Public Library reopened to the public in late October
2008, complete with additional space for library programs, a children’s room and staff offices, state-of-the-art technology and highspeed
internet access. LeChase Construction and its team met the challenges of this complex project with teamwork and a can-do
attitude. ( http://www.gbcnys.agc.org )
Roberts Wesleyan College, Robert B. Golisano Library, Rochester, NY – USA 2007
Awards:
Rochester Chapter AIA, Citation of Merit Award
2008 American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase - Outstanding Design
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Lighting Design Award
Situated on a highly visible and prominent corner of the campus, the proposed Golisano Library will offer to Roberts Wesleyan
College a symbol of higher learning and an image to build upon. The site, located between Minor Hall and the Quad Residence Halls,
is highly visible from both the campus green to the South, and the Administrative "Front Door" of Rinker Hall to the East. The
added verticality of a tower element to the library enhances the image of the entire campus as an institute for higher learning and
religious education. Sustainable design techniques and materials will be considered throughout the entire design process and
214