Library Buildings around the World

Awards:
AIA Portland Chapter Merit Award 2003
The Whitman College Penrose Memorial Library expansion and renovation in Walla Walla, Washington is a 67.000 sqf. renovation
and 24.000 sqf. addition that creates an open and inviting facade to Ankeny Field, an increase in student seating and access to
technology and allows for growth of the collections. The new addition has large expanses of glass opening onto Ankeny Fiel. The new
entrance aligns with a path that runs along the south side of the field. A large reading room, looking out to Memorial Hall, sits to the
south of the entrance. The south and of the addition is built of brick with a palette of materials that compliment Memorial Hall and
other historic buildings on the campus. (THA)
North Portland Branch Library, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR – USA 1999
8.500 sqf.
North Portland Library began as the North Albina Reading Room in 1909. The current Jacobethan-style library was built in 1913
and renovated in 1999.
This historic branch was completed in 1913. The 8,500 sf library renovation includes seismic upgrades and a historic renovation to
rejuvenate the long-neglected building. The updated building boasts new light fixtures based on photographic evidence of the
original lighting; new shelving and help desks designed to complement the old library as well as improve check-in and check-out
functions; new mechanical and electrical systems; new computer stations; and updated staff and service areas. (THA)
Bend Main Library, Deschutes County Libray System, Bend, OR – USA 1998
40,000 sf
Awards:
Bend Public Library received a 1999 AIA Portland Chapter Merit Award.
THA Architecture provided building design and interior furnishings for this public library in Central Oregon. The building serves
as the technical service center for the entire Deschutes County Library system and provides full library services to the public. The
two-story building is a simple basilica form, and has played a key role in the rejuvenation of Bend’s historic downtown area. The
first floor houses a generous public lobby with circulation desk, a meeting room, staff work rooms and a large children’s library. A
grand stair leads to a single large open space on the second floor, with open book stacks, reference desks and a variety of public
reading and study areas. The space features a high wood ceiling, clerestory lighting, exposed wood beams, columns and large
windows which overlook mountains to the west. (THA)
Watzek Library, Lewis & Clarke College, Portland, OR – USA 1996
50,000 sf addition / 54,000 sf renovation
The Aubrey R. Watzek Library, part of Lewis & Clark’s three-building Signature Project, integrates the information technology
department, media services, archives, an art gallery and the library into one building. The complex program builds on the
relationships needed to fit into the expanded and remodeled building.
The existing cast-in-place floor and ceiling structure had proven exceedingly difficult for the College to wire for new technology.
With strategic placement of book shelves in the most inflexible areas, an infrastructure of ducted telecommunication and power
wiring in all new construction, and a perimeter power/data/telecom raceway in many areas of the existing building, THA
transformed the Watzek Library into a building that successfully integrated information technologies throughout. (THA)
Midland Regional Library, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR – USA 1996
26,000 sf
Midland Regional Library is a bridge between a suburban commercial strip on the east and a quiet pocket park to the west. Based
on a simple basilica form, the core design concept is to express the duality of nature and culture, in a modern vocabulary grounded
in classical proportions and principles. The 26,000 sf library faces busy SE 122nd Avenue with cast stone tablets incised with quotes
from famous authors ranging from Willa Cather to Amiri Baraka. At the opposite end, the building opens to the park with a large
glass wall. The long central room receives daylight from a continuous clerestory. The tall clock tower serves as an archetypal beacon
welcoming today’s community of readers and their families. (THA)
Spokane Public Library, Spokane, WA – USA 1994
124,000 sf
The City of Spokane’s Main Library occupies a powerful and dynamic site connecting the dense urban fabric of downtown Spokane
with a dramatic view of the Spokane River and Falls. The building’s prominent site and the importance of the library as a center of
cultural life make this building a focal point for the City. The library is recognized for its integration of dynamic public spaces and
carefully planned information technology. This library was designed by THA Architecture in collaboration with Northwest
Architectural Company of Spokane. (THA)
Biomedical Information Communication Center (BICC), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland,
OR – USA 1991
81,000 sf
Awards:
The BICC received the 1991 AIA Portland Chapter Award of Excellence and the 1995 AIA Northwest and Pacific Region Award of
Merit.
The BICC was the first fully-computerized research library in the United States. The 81,000 sf facility was funded through the
National Library of Medicine’s program for linking worldwide databases. It incorporates a fully computerized network with stateof-the-art
telecommunications facilities creating an environment which is humane and comfortable, connecting the library patron
with generous views of the wooded ravine to the south. The BICC received the 1991 AIA Portland Chapter Award of Excellence and
the 1995 AIA Northwest and Pacific Region Award of Merit. (THA)
Thomas, Miller & Partners, Brentwood, TN – USA
http://www.tmpartners.com
Libraries:
James E. Walker Library, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN – USA 1999
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