My concept for the Clifton Library project was circulation and Sustainability. My idea was to focus on gaining the most sunlight within my building. Therefore, I focused on on the South East corner of the site and worked to the back corner (North West corner). Then to allow more light into the buildings I divided them to allow light wells, and create more outdoor space for gardens, thus bringing in the Sustainability aspect of my project.
Parti Diagram
Plan View (Left) Axon View (Right)
Plans
Parking Level (Below Grade)
First Floor
Second Floor
Third Floor
Fourth Floor
Roof Garden
Sections
East-West SectionNorth-South Section
Elevations
South Elevation
North Elevation
East ElevationWest Elevation
Exterior Perspectives
View from Howell StreetView from Howell StreetView from Ludlow Street
Interior Perspectives
From Third Floor balcony look on to second floorFrom Third Floor balcony looking on to refreshment barFrom Lobby looking into bookstore area.
Vignettes
Public Thoroughfare
Sustainability Diagrams
This diagram shows how the cuts into the building captures the light from the southern sun.This diagrams shows the green spaces that divide the buildings, and allow for outdoor space between them.
Night Rendering
Materials Diagram
The upper image shows the use of wood panel throughout the exterior of the building that provides shading within the building. The material is produced by a company called Plexwood, it’s 100% recyclable, made from natural wood, and sustainable. Another special element within the project is a glass fire stair located within the staff building. This allows the staff tons of natural light but also and enjoyable stair to walk up down rather than using the main stairwell.
After reading the requirements for this project, the first thing I thought of was the various amount of spaces that we had to fit inside the dimensions that were given to us. I started to organize the spaces based on their respective activity. Although I wanted to separate these spaces I came to realize that I didn’t want two separate buildings rather, I wanted to have a connecting component that would allow two major spaces come together as one. The community connection is something I found important to Clifton. When visiting the site, everyone seems to be comfortable and interacting with one another. I wanted to create a design that resembles the importance of a community by providing an open and comfortable environment that would allow people to interact with one another.
Initial Sketches
Different Spaces
Massing/Parti
Site Plan
Floor Plans
Level One
Level Two
Level Three
Platform Level One
Platform Level Two
Sections
Longitudinal South Section and Transverse East Section.
The goal of any library is to accommodate learning; however, not all learners are the same. The conventional library has a surplus of materials for reading and writing, along with a setting that aids both activities. While this is beneficial to many learners, it fails to recognize those whose brains retain information in different ways– what about those who learn through doing, or those who’d benefit from hearing spoken word? Today, four kinds of learners are commonly recognized: auditory, reading/writing, kinesthetic, and visual learners.
A contemporary library should not only address each learning type, but organize itself in a way that visitors can choose a learning environment for themselves.
Some facilities have grown to include spaces like classrooms and practice rooms, which is a step in the right direction– however, the average library still fails to offer services for visual learners (who, according to Forbes Magazine, make up a stunning 65% of people). Not only does my design cater to the atmospheric requirements of each learning type, but it is one of very few to recognize visual learners– along with the qualities that facilitate right-brained learning.
My focus for the library is light and an open exterior. Furthering this I want the center to open up revealing that the library is bigger than it seems upon first entering. Another concept I had is having basic geometric shapes throughout the design features like stairs, openings, windows, etc. I got this idea from children building blocks. Another feature I want to implement inspired by these blocks is the material. I want birch wood detailing throughout the library. I hope to use these shapes and ideas to essentially focus on the views of the library and frame the interior.
Concept: In any library, the books are the most important part. My library emphasizes this idea by using a strong central cylinder that supports the entirety of the building. This is the magnet piece of the space because it is also where the books are being displayed. When looking at the building in section, one will experience the illusion that the floors are floating between the massing of books, referencing the importance of books and education within a community such as Clifton.
I approached the young adult library with the intention of providing unique and inspiring spaces which foster an environment for personal study and reflection as well as collaboration and the sharing of ideas. I reimagined the library as a community center which offers Clifton residents access to a range of resources and opportunities. Through the form of my building I created interesting pockets of space which fuel curiosity and exploration. The dynamic nature of the interior and the changing ceiling heights reinforce diversity, place making, and identity. Additionally, a lack of symmetry in the design limits predictability and allows Clifton residents to feel a sense of ownership and belonging towards the new addition to their neighborhood. The building focuses on views of activity in the surrounding neighborhood as a way of integrating itself into the community. The orientation of the building also capitalizes on sun angles to naturally light the interior. One of the most important spaces in the community center of the is the cafe and reading tower which sits at the highest point in the building. The cafe does not lead anywhere, instead it offers a space for people to comfortably gather and take time to enjoy the experience as well as the journey taken to get there.
Title PageDiagram Site Plan/ ContextDiagram Floor PlansFloor PlansFloor Plans
N + E Elevations
S + W Elevations
Sections
Diagram
Diagram Community Center from Howell Ave. ‘The Arts’ floors, public computers Staff Wing Children’s library looking out onto Clifton PlazaCommunity Center from Clifton Plaza
