Every other year, the AIA and the American Library Association dole out the AIA/ALA Library Building Awards to honor the best libraries recently built across the country. This year, six recipients were recognized for their excellence in the architectural design of libraries and how the designs respond to the needs of the surrounding residences. The winners include a renovation to Paul Rudolph’s utopian vision in Massachusetts, a new structure in Iowa following an unprecedented flood, and a children's education center with a holistic approach.
The jury included Christine Verbitzki, AIA, senior associate at GUND Partnership; Drew Harrington, dean of the library at the University of Portland; James Richärd, AIA, principal of richärd+bauer; Clyde Scoles, director of Toledo Public Library; Doug Stieve, AIA, principal at Wiss, Janney of Elstner Associates; and John F. Szabo, the city librarian of Los Angeles Public Library.
Cedar Rapids Public Library, Cedar Rapids, Iowa by OPN
Architects
After the community experienced a monstrous flood, the city came together to build a responsive site with a publicly accessible green roof and underground
storm water collection chambers. The building is LEED Platinum certified.
Claire T. Carney Library Addition & Renovation,
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth by designLAB architects
As Paul Rudolph’s centerpiece for a utopian community
campus, this formerly dysfunctional building gained collaborative work spaces
and an expansive common room encased in glass after a two-year renovation
process. Since completion, the entrance count has tripled.
Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library and Learning
Center, Little Rock, Ark., by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects
Set in a neglected neighborhood, this center built
for children not only houses books and performance spaces, but areas to learn
about healthy eating, agriculture, and the natural environment.
Mission Branch Library, San Antonio, Texas, by Muñoz and
Co.
This catalyst for new development in an underserved community
features local materials, such as three brick bovedas (cross vaults built without centering) in the L-shaped lobby and
San Saba Sandstone wainscot that wraps the entire exterior along the white
stucco walls.
Slover Library, Norfolk, Va., by Newman Architects with
Tymoff + Moss
A former courthouse and city hall, the 115-year-old
Seaboard Building building gained a seven-story glass walled addition, and arched openings along
the western wall, but still maintains the original design intent with restored
masonry.
Vancouver Community Library, Vancouver, Wash., by The Miller
Hull Partnership
This new five-story building features a multi-story glass
atrium to encourage outsiders to explore the contents offered inside.
Once there, the interiors offer wayfinding features such as an “adventurous” staircase
and a graphic “knowledge wall.”
