©DSGN Associates
Several considerations went into the siting of the library, including pedestrian access from the nearby elementary and middle schools, as well as exterior space for community activities. ©DSGN Associates
©DSGN Associates
The Vickery Meadow neighborhood in which the library is located, is highly diverse with a population that speaks over 50 different languages. Graphics wrap the exterior and interior, welcoming visitors in different languages and mapping out countries in order to help all patrons feel welcomed.
The interior space is column-free, which places the structure at the ceiling and the perimeter of the building. A clerestory and light shelf bring natural light into the space while integrating structure seamlessly. ©DSGN Associates
An annual Festival of Lights takes place on the site, with the lighting of large trees, so it was important that the tradition be built in to the plan. A large lace elm was planted specifically for the festival, and paths were hardscapes to allow safe foot traffic to cross into the plaza and library.
Vickery Park Branch Library
Located in a dynamic, multi-cultural neighborhood, the design of this library combines a traditional library approach with 21st-century technologies to create a community hub with the spaces and resources to act as a classroom, job-training facility, and town plaza for its community. Complete with native landscaping and a playground, the plaza greets visitors from the schools to the north and the transit stops to the south, and encourages them to interact on their way in. The elliptical shape of the reading room welcomes all visitors, while a generous canopy runs the perimeter of the reading room, minimizing heat gain and providing shelter from the elements. A light shelf on the interior allows natural light to fill the reading room. The interior features built-in shelving and reading nooks along the perimeter walls, reinforcing the elliptical nature of the space, while classroom “pods” provide flexible meeting and classroom spaces for visitors while allowing the overall space to remain open and adaptable to studying, reading, or other activities.
