PROJECT New Carrollton Branch Library
LOCATION New Carrollton, Maryland US
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 9/26/2018
ARCHITECT GWWO Architects
ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT/DESIGNER
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM Mark Lapointe, AIA; Alan Reed, FAIA, LEED AP; Andrew Towne, AIA; Mandy Palasik, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Katie Werner Grajewski, AIA
OWNER/CLIENT Prince George's County Memorial Library System
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Tuckman-Barbee Construction Co., Inc.
PHOTOGRAPHER Sam Kittner
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Site Resources, Inc.
CIVIL ENGINEER Site Resources, Inc.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Faisant Associates, Inc.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER CCJM
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER CCJM
CONSULTANT The Studio of Sandra Ragan (Interior Design), 4401-A Connecticut Ave, NW #243, Washington, DC 20008, 202-363-0105, studior@aol.com
CONSULTANT Kim Engineering, Inc. (Geotechnical Engineer), 11900 Baltimore Ave, Suite F, Beltsville, MD 20705, 240-542-4238, ronaldpyles@kimengineering.com
CONSULTANT Aerosol Monitoring & Analysis, Inc. (HazMat), 1331 Ashton Road, PO Box 646, Hanover, MD 21076, 410-684-3327, mnovak@amaconsulting.com
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
Built in 1971, the existing Brutalist-style structure embraced the architectural Field Theory movement of Walter Netsch and featured an interior layout comprised of a series of rotated equilateral triangles. Without any major improvements since its opening, this community institution was failing. From building systems—HVAC, roofing, and windows—to deteriorating finishes, present asbestos, spatial inadequacies, a hidden entry, and poor wayfinding, the facility wasn’t meeting the community’s needs. The design for the full interior renovation and addition breathes new life into the two-story structure, creating a welcoming, technology-rich facility that establishes its place as a community anchor and meets the needs of today’s library patrons.
The project began by crafting a solution to the previously underwhelming approach and entry. Upon arrival, patrons made their way to a set of nondescript doors that led to a non-monitored hallway where guests could turn to enter the library or descend to the ground floor. Taking its cues from the two-dimensional triangular floor plan, a new three-dimensional glass prism breaks through the former understated entry, framing the new entrance and housing additional community gathering space. Seen from afar, this symbol of enlightenment re-establishes the building as a beacon to the community and creates a clear destination for those arriving via car or foot.
Responding to the dynamic shift of libraries from places of quiet study to vibrant centers of community collaboration, the program emphasized reducing the amount of space for collections and solo study while increasing the number of group study areas and social spaces. All public areas were also migrated to the first floor to provide easier accessibility and staff monitoring.
The library’s new interior layout responds to the existing triangular configuration and places major destinations at each of the three apexes: children’s collection, public meeting rooms, and the entrance with adjacent café. Upon entry, patrons have an immediate view of the circulation desk and the central learning commons where all areas diverge from. In keeping with the design technique, a shifted secondary grid of collection space and study rooms creates an orderly kaleidoscopic effect, radiating around the central social space.
The addition of modern program elements includes study and breakout space (with specific areas designated for children and teens) for groups of all sizes as well as computer training facilities. Individualized spaces for children, teens, and adults make everyone feel welcome. The Discovery Reef children’s collection sparks wonder and curiosity with a 270-gallon salt water aquarium, colorful lighting simulating the underwater experience, a storytime room replicating a deep see habitat, a glowing bubble tube, reading nooks, a homework station, and appropriately-sized themed-furniture. Flexible seating areas, bar-height computer stations, and virtual reality and gaming within the Teen Zone assure this area is bustling after school. Enhancing the community connection, a colorful resin and aluminum model created by a local artist hangs prominently within the commons.
JURY COMMENTS (If Applicable)
A full and impressive transformation. The exterior has become an inviting beacon for this community library. The original plan is a tough one to inhabit, but the architects skillfully remade the structure into a modern library. The family of design decisions complement each other and the original building. The realization of the interiors; furniture and colors seemed, in some cases, not as clearly connected to the character framed by the architecture. Overall, this is a really fine project.
A drastic transformation of a relatively nondescript building. The exterior transformation was the most successful part, the overall presence and impact to the public realm was impressive. The design team overcame the difficult geometry of the original to create a cohesive series of interior spaces. Interior finishes and furnishings in some spaces were a bit distracting, the most successful interior spaces were more reductive in nature.
A dramatic transformation of a tired building. The new entry acts as a welcoming presence for the community while also helping to clarify space for its users; ultimately making the library more accessible. As architects try to help contribute to the climate crisis conversation, we must become advocates for the thoughtful reuse of existing buildings. The alterations made in this project will ensure that this building is an important center for its community into the future.
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project/Jury PDF
IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. New Carrollton Branch Library Entry / Sam Kittner
2. New Carrollton Branch Library Entry (high res exterior) / Sam Kittner
3. New Carrollton Branch Library Central Learning Commons (high res interior) / Sam Kittner
4. New Carrollton Branch Library Circulation Desk / Sam Kittner
5. New Carrollton Branch Library Teen Zone / Sam Kittner
6. New Carrollton Branch Library Cafe / Sam Kittner
7. New Carrollton Branch Library Children's Collection / Sam Kittner
8. New Carrollton Branch Library Discovery Reef / Sam Kittner
New Carrollton Branch Library
Category
Local > AIA Potomac Valley > Institutional Architecture (AIA Potomac Valley)
Winner Status
- Merit Award
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