Library Buildings around the World

The facility will occupy a site near the State Capitol, serving the needs of state agencies locally and a broader network of sister
agencies throughout the state. It will act as the central repository for the exceptional historical collections of the State Library and
Archives, as well as the State Museum’s diverse collection of cultural artifacts – a major public attraction during the summer tourist
season.
The facility’s design is rooted in state history and Alaska’s wildlife. The site layout reflects the fan of the docks that historically
occupied this site, and the roof form is reminiscent of the wing and feathers of a bird in flight. (THA)
San Francisco Public Library Bayview Branch Library, San Francisco, CA – USA 2013
9,000 sf
San Francisco Public Library’s new Bayview Branch Library replaces the existing 1969 branch library with a new one-story
building. The library will meet increasing program needs and provide an open, inviting, and secure confluence for this urban
community. It is designed around an inner courtyard that will bring light and natural ventilation to the center of the building. The
light illuminating the corner entry from within will serve as a beacon for the neighborhood.
The library design has been inspired by both the multifaceted history of Bayview/Hunters Point and African and African America
art and architecture. The exterior includes etched panels with images related to the neighborhood’s history. The floor plan is
designed to create distinct areas for adults, teens and children, while maintaining good visibility throughout the building. A
community room with an after-hours entry opens up to the children’s area with a large moveable wall, providing an option for
larger children’s programs. (THA)
University of Washington, Tioga Library, Tacoma, WA – USA 2012
40,000 sf
The new Tioga Library Building connects the current UW Tacoma Library by a pedestrian bridge across the old railroad corridor
that runs through the middle of the UW Tacoma campus. It houses an expansion of the Library on the basement, first and second
floors. The program also includes general education classrooms on the first floor and offices on the second floor.
The new building shares a staircase with the Tioga Building to the north. The exterior is clad with a terracotta rain screen, a unique
and highly sustainable building product. (THA)
Parkside Library, San Francisco, CA – USA 2011
6,000 sf renovation / 1,000 sf addition
San Francisco Public Library’s Branch Library Improvement Program includes the Parkside branch’s renovation and addition.
THA and Karin Payson Architecture + Design have taken great care to preserve and restore the architectural beauty and character
of the existing library. The design of the addition complements this fine example of midcentury architecture, while adding space for
ADA restrooms, improved staff areas and a discrete teen area.
The existing building was brought up to current ADA, seismic and other codes, and the interiors returned to the original design
intent. In addition, the project adds landscape improvements and opens up views into the courtyard from a new teen area. New
plantings and outside seating in the courtyard provides an area for programs. (THA)
San Francisco Public Library System, West Portal Branch Library, San Francisco, CA – USA 2007
The West Portal Branch Library was the second branch to be renovated as part of San Francisco Public Library’s Branch Library
Improvement Program (BLIP), a 2000 bond which called for 19 branches to be renovated. THA and Karin Payson Architects +
Design took great care to preserve and restore the architectural beauty and historic character of the library throughout this
renovation and addition. Inside the branch, ceiling stencils and woodwork were restored and lighting fixtures consistent with the
building’s WPA-era style were installed. Other significant improvements include WiFi internet; ADA accessibility; a new addition
with an elevator, staff work rooms and restrooms; a new ground-floor book drop; and seismic upgrades. (THA)
Almeda Free Library, Almeda, CA – USA 2006
49,000 sf
LEED Silver
The new Alameda Main Library enhances the civic nature of Alameda’s historic downtown, expressing the basic order of historic
elements while utilizing advanced building technologies. Large windows and window bays provide expansive views of the city and its
surroundings. A walled garden forms a backdrop for public meeting rooms and a café. Additional program elements include a
generous reading room, a large children’s section, a children’s story and craft room, study rooms, a young adults’ homework center,
computer labs, private reading areas, work areas and conference rooms. (THA)
Spokane Academy Center, University of Washington, Spokane, WA – USA 2006
106.000 sqf.
The Spokane Academic Center is a signature building for this Washington Sate University campus and will cultivate interaction,
creativity and collaboration between faculty staff, students, alumni and the Spokane community. The five-story building includes the
campus library, classrooms, administrative offices, academic offices for various university programs, a “Cyber” cafe and computer
labs. The first three floors of the Academic Center contain the more public program elements, with the fourth and fifth floors
housing administration and academic program offices. The campus library, located on the second and third floors, is primarily set
within a “drum” form along the north side of the building, providing grand views of the Spokane River. Transparency and
connection to the surrounding campus are achieved by a three story space with a connecting stair located at the south building entry.
The Academic Center is the focus of the new campus development and the first step in implementation of the Riverpoint Campus
Plan. (THA)
Sherwood Civic Building, Library – City Hall, Sherwood, OR – USA 2006
30,000 sf
Located 15 miles south or Portland, Sherwood is one of the fastest growing communities in Oregon. This 30,000 sf mixed-use
building houses a 10,000 sf single-story library and a two story City Hall and library support area. The City Hall includes a large
municipal courtroom intended for up to 80 people, which will also function as a city council room and a community room.
Other program elements include the administrative and financial support spaces for the City Hall and a small retail component. A
public plaza is located at the front of the building with the children’s area of the library relating directly to a garden space at the
rear. The building is a major element in the City’s Urban Renewal Plan, which is intended to preserve and enhance the historic
downtown district. (THA)
Hillsdale Branch Library, Multnomah Country Libray System, Portland, OR – USA 2004
12,000 sf
LEED Gold
Awards:
2009 AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Citation Award,
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