Design Studio || Spring 2020 || Second Year

Sydney Rushing

Arc 202 | Katherine Setser

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.