May 16, 2012

Year in Architecture 2011

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Library design is front and center in this year's round of building projects—completed between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011—exemplifying the best in sustainability and standing as the heart of community life.

Year in Architecture 2011: Design of the Times

Along with elements targeting at least LEED Silver certification, the Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library, Sacramento Public Library, CA (left-hand page), makes visitors want to smile, with its stone-veneered children’s reading tower that features a fantasy mural from local artist Kristen Muench. CREDITS: WLC Architects, Inc., architect; photo, Ed Asmus.

Whether sleek and modern, true to classic lines, or touched with whimsy, the projects that comprise the library construction landscape are greener than ever, with U.S. Green Building Council silver, gold, and platinum shimmering from many of our 150 public projects and 26 academic library buildings completed between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011.

Year in Architecture 2011: Architects

A Aedas Architects, Washington, DC; 202-684-7562; www.aedas.com Allison Architects, Inc., Little Rock, AR; 501-376-0717; www.allisonarchitects.com Anderson Brulé Architects, San José, CA; 408-298-1885; www.aba-arch.com Arcari & Iovino Architects, Little Ferry, NJ; 201-641-0600; aiarchs.com Arkinetics Inc., Lorain, OH; 440-246-3100; www.arkinetics.com Austin Public Library/Library Facilities, TX; 512-974-7493; www.austintexas.gov/library B Bailey Architects, Houston, TX; 713-524-2155; www.baileyarchitects.com Bailey Associates (Jack [...]

Year in Architecture 2011: Academic Library Data

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For the Year in Architecture 2011, Library Journal solicited information from academic libraries nationwide that had undergone new builds and renovation/addition projects completed between July 1, 2010 and June, 30, 2011.

Year in Architecture 2011: Public Library Data

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For the Year in Architecture 2011, Library Journal solicited information from public libraries nationwide that had undergone new builds and renovation/addition projects completed between July 1, 2010 and June, 30, 2011.

Year in Architecture 2011: Six-Year Cost Summary

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Year in Architecture 2011: Grading on a Curve

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Users of the new Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, University of Chicago, get to test their mettle under the soaring elliptical glass dome of the research space’s Grand Reading Room, designed by Helmut Jahn. Aside from stretching their brain cells, they can enjoy views of the campus. CREDITS:  Murphy/Jahn, architect; photo, Jason Smith.   The [...]

Year in Architecture 2011: Wall-to-Wall Wonders

Diner-style booths complement the teen space at the Scotts Valley Branch Library, CA, which also features solar tubes and skylights for natural light and a cushioned story time platform. CREDITS: Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning, Inc., Architect; photo Technical Imagery Studios.

  A former Food Lion is now the Bedford Public Library, TX, with curved walls and ceilings and glass that changes color. CREDITS:  Hidell & Associates Architects, architect; photo, Patrick Coulie.   A joint project of Phoenix PL and South Mountain Community College, South Mountain Community Library, Phoenix, treats its teens to a space surrounded [...]

Year in Architecture 2011: Vista Vision

A design/build project, the Fallbrook Library, part of San Diego County Library, has an abundance of outdoor spaces, including the Reading Garden, with its undulating metal “artistic trellis” roof, designed by Chris Pardell. The library recently achieved LEED Silver Certification. CREDITS: Ferguson Pape Baldwin Architects, architect; photo, Frank Domin, Domin Photography.

Part of a complex of municipal buildings, the Rita & Truett Smith Central Public Library, Wylie, TX, includes along its south side a “Texas-sized porch” for shade and comfort and “spillage” for outdoor activities. CREDITS: Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture, architect; photo, Craig Blackmon/Blackink Photography.   The new Acton Agua Dulce Christopher Colombo Brevidoro Library, County [...]

Year in Architecture 2011: Fireside Chats

The Kenai Community Library, AK, stresses warm, welcoming interior materials that provide visual separation of spaces. CREDITS: Humphries Poli, architect; photo, Paul Brokering. 6: ECI/HYER Architecture, architect; photo, Chris Arend.

The focal point of the Orange Branch Library, Delaware, OH, is its double-sided stone fireplace in a wall with random openings. CREDITS: Dewberry, architect; photo, Brad Feinknopf.   The main-level fireplace of the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, AL, four-story structure is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows to “maximize the forest experience.” CREDITS: Keith Design, [...]