Arcollab was contracted to develop a concept design for an extensive remodel and addition to the 20,000 +/- square foot Douglas County Public Library. The primary objectives for the project are to improve spatial efficiency, daylighting, curb appeal, and the building entry.
The library was originally designed to have two entry points—one that addresses the street and a second oriented toward the parking lot. The dual entries pose issues for monitoring and building security. The proposed concept clarifies the single entrance with a large canopy oriented to the parking lot and provides a clear circulation axis to patrons when arriving at the library.
The large multi-purpose public meeting space has been relocated adjacent to the entrance to offer independent and controlled access for the public. Existing landscape berms are removed, and short windows above the berm (currently the only windows in the entire library) are expanded to the floor. This will improve the quality of light in the meeting spaces and display the public functions of the library as part of the entry experience.
The entry sequence is reinforced by continuing the canopy’s wood ceiling through the glass vestibule and into the interior. The new dramatic entry blurs the lines between inside and outside. The circulation desk has been relocated to run parallel to this axis and is situated across from a new glass wall with views into the children’s garden. The circulation desk is deliberately centrally located at the intersection of the entry axis and the stack areas to provide clear circulation, wayfinding, and sightlines to the entire library.
Continuing past the circulation desk, the stack areas are oriented on an intersecting axis. Above the bookshelves, a new raised roof with clearstory windows allows daylight to fill the entire volume.
The children’s section places the most vibrant functions of the library on display along the new glassy front façade and provides staff sightlines from the circulation desk for increased safety.
