Our site is in a suburb of Cincinnati called Clifton. It is situated right behind the main strip of the area and behind Clifton Plaza- a previous site of ours.
The big idea behind my design is separating spaces by their noise level while creating a circulation pattern between the two separate spaces. The circulation pattern will allow light to come into the spaces that require it the most. Another goal behind my design is to have a strong connection to the Clifton Plaza and incorporate the idea of “being aware of what is happening in the moment.”
There is an interesting relationship between solid structures and the voids they create; this particular relationship is what I wanted to explore. In the process of designing, I have created multiple spaces where the three volumes intersect. My design explores space through what is there and what is not.
My initial precedent for a library was the Geisel Library by William Pereira. The design itself was not used as much in my library, however taught me valuable lessons about what should not be included in my layout. The main lesson I drew from this library was to provide multiple points of entry, since the Geisel Library only had one main point of entry into the library. Not only is this not up to code today, but it puts lots of pressure on the entry sequence, and constantly has to be repaired.
Conceptual Development
My concept for my Clifton Library was initially derived and continuous from my concept in my Clifton Park. This park is the entrance to the library, and I wanted both designs to be fluid and continuous. In my Clifton Park, I found that an urban park is essentially a break from the every day life. By entering the park, you are breaking from your day to day routine. I wanted to continue this theme into my library, where the library could provide similar opportunities. The surrounding lights at night would encourage users to enter both spaces at any time of day, and provide a safe space to commute, or stop and reflect.
Exploration. As time goes by, people become stronger. The library is the same place where people can grow. Because it is going to be bigger, my library is shaped like a greater than sign. At the same time, the design of my plaza is a similar shape. This library is not only a place to read books but also a social place. At the same time, the functionality is also very comprehensive. Singing, dancing, and leisure can all be satisfied here. Solar glass and Fabraic’s shading system help reduce energy consumption.
My parti diagram represents my concept of the relationship between the space in a forest and the different sound and activity levels.
By understanding how closely linked the site was to the Clifton Plaza, an outdoor park, I aimed to carry certain elements of a park into my building. Details such as the open atrium, outdoor spaces such as a roofgarden and the visible columns that extend throughout my structure symbolizing that of forest trees.
For my Library Design, I focused on having the public thoroughfare run directly through the center of the library. The public thoroughfare divides the program into 3 main spaces. The lower most region on Howell avenue level being the library and book stacks. The two floors above the plaza level contain all learning and media areas. The public thoroughfare, which is lined with administration is a direct continuation from the plaza into the library program. This thoroughfare divides these two main sectors and provides access to the whole program when allowed.
