Desert Broom Public Library
Desert Broom Public Library
Phoenix, AZ

Growing Community through Public Architecture

Borrowing from the symbiotic relationship of young saguaro cacti and its nurse tree along the arroyos edge, the expansive roof creates a shaded microclimate, providing filtered daylight, shelter, and a nurturing environment for intellectual growth.

The Desert Broom Library includes a collection of 61,000 volumes, which will expand to an ultimate collection size of 100,000. The building also houses a multi-purpose meeting room, computer training room, group study area, youth/teen space, periodicals living room, and staff support spaces.

The roof form extends above an adjoining arroyo 60’ out into the natural desert, creating indoor/outdoor transitional spaces providing a seamless transition into the desert. These outdoor reading spaces are enclosed and shaded by a series of coiled metal screens following the natural form of the arroyo and are cooled by building relief air. The roof is penetrated by a series of openings allowing filtered light into the interior and exterior spaces. Each of the openings is treated with either fritted or colored glass creating an ever-changing series of colors and patterns throughout the space, culminating in celebration above the children’s area.

Within the framework of the roof, a series of volumes contain the meeting room, information cubes, staff, and computer training areas. Mechanical systems are enclosed within these volumes eliminating the need for ductwork and allow for indirect lighting throughout. Above each of the primary service points within the building "Digital Information Cubes" display ever-changing representations of digital information which can be seen from the exterior during the evening.

The successful response to the programmatic needs of the community it serves has made Desert Broom a rich and vital part of this Cave Creek neighborhood.

A nurse plant in the desert is often a Palo Verde tree with a large canopy shading new and delicate plants below from the harsh desert sun. Nurse plants create micro climates for new and younger plants to thrive and grow well into the future. Desert Broom is no different as it creates a space of learning and growth, and ultimately uplifting its community. 


Design Architect:  Richärd Kennedy Architects


Architect of Record:  Richärd Kennedy Architects


Client:  City of Phoenix


Size:  15,000 SF


Project Type:  Civic + Public


Services:  Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Sustainability, Library Programming


Delivery Method:  CMAR


General Contractor:  Linthicum Constuctors, inc


MEP Engineer:  Energy Systems Design


Structural Engineer:  KPFF Engineers


Landscape Design Architect:  E-Group


Photographer:  Bill Timmerman


Certification:  LEED Silver Certified


2006 – AIA / ALA Honor Award


2006 – ALA / IIDA Award for Innovation in Sustainability Design


2005 – Gold Nugget Awards, Grand Award Best in The West, Best Public/Private Special Use Facility


2005 – Valley Forward Association, Crescordia Award for Environmental Excellence, Buildings & Structures - Public Assembly


2005 – AIA Western Mountain Region, Honor Award for Overall Design Excellence


2005 – IIDA Southwest Chapter PRIDE Award, Commercial Best of Show


2004 – AIA Arizona, Merit Award

A nurse plant in the desert is often a Palo Verde tree with a large canopy shading new and delicate plants below from the harsh desert sun. Nurse plants create micro climates for new and younger plants to thrive and grow well into the future. Desert Broom is no different as it creates a space of learning and growth, and ultimately uplifting its community. 

Back to top