Contract - March 2011 - (Page 45)

The teen area (above right) features one of the project’s two skylights, and the space serve the community’s youth with cheerful, light-ﬁlled interiors (opposite top). Little kids enjoy their own space, as well (opposite bottom). With a large population of English Language Learners, the libra had to stock a wide variety of media (le ). Robust materials, rounded forms, and bright, lively furnishings bring excitement to the interiors. “It’s deceptively simple,” says Noll. “The ceiling hides all the mechanicals.” Clean and welcoming, the design balances just the right elements of warmth, welcome, and respect. “The client was really open to lots of color,” remembers Goodwin. “In fact, they initially wanted more.” Light pours through the space from the glass curtainwall and two skylights, which adds to the lure. “It’s so bright we o en don’t need to turn on the lights,” says Ross. V-shaped roof that allows in as much light as possible. “The tower at the end of the building works like a super graphic, and at night it glows. You can see it from miles away,” he adds. Inside the designers organized the spaces along that open book’s steel spine. “The concrete path is a straight shot that leads right through the building,” says Trina Goodwin, interior designer and project architect at Noll + Tam. The spine takes patrons through to distinct spaces for children, teens, three study areas, a learning center, and a computer lab with Internet and world processing. There also are generous community spaces, like a meeting room that holds up to 100 people and a food court. One central service desk allows staﬀ to greet incoming patrons while keeping an eye on the children and teen areas. The selfcheck-out kiosks are positioned for maximum convenience. The libra has been a huge hit. Circulation is up 120 percent from its old space, and on the weekend the space bustles with activity. Families come to work on projects or take advantage of the free wireless to Skype with far-away relatives. “We wanted to increase the technology oﬀerings and learning opportunities,” says Ross. “This space really allows us to serve the community.” The café and community room are also well used. As part of a public park, the libra eventually will share programs and services with a community center to be built right next door. Because it was a new structure on a new street, the libra building committee was granted an unusual honor: “We got to name the street,” remembers Ross. “It was going to be Libra Lane, but we decided on Imagination Parkway.” For a project source list, see page 62 or visit www.contractdesign.com. www.contractdesign.com contract march 2011 45 http://www.contractdesign.com http://www.contractdesign.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - March 2011

Contract - March 2011
Contents
Editor’s Note
Industry
Resources: Design Collaborations
Focus: This Little Light of Mine
Practice: Global Consensus
Green: Thinking Inside the Box
Poetry Lessons
Community Asset
Book Light
Reel Genius
Fresh Start
A Tree Saved in Brooklyn
Designers Rate: Guest Seating
Sources
Ad Index
Perspectives

Contract - March 2011