Civic Architecture Supporting the Knowledge of Tucson
This full-service stand-alone branch library with a 60,000 item book collection includes a computer lab, study and meeting rooms and dedicated spaces for a full range of programs for the community including Homework Help and Storytime programs. The facility also includes an exterior reading court for patrons and a dedicated staff courtyard as an extension of the staff area.
This project is the hybrid of two seemingly disparate elements: a new public branch library and a new pedestrian bridge. This symbiotic relationship benefits both projects by combining resources and budgets in the development of common architectural vocabulary, exterior spaces, pedestrian linkages, and landscape features.
The building is organized as a single open volume under a series of large shading roof forms, lending complexity and drama to the space and capturing panoramic mountain views to the north. The roof is lifted to balance north light and south daylight components while shading the interior from direct solar gain.
The elliptical form of the staff area is used as a foil at the entry to direct patrons into the building. Building services are located below the future bridge abutment for noise isolation, security, and access. The discrete areas including a meeting room, group and computer rooms, as well as the children's area, are located along the southern edge under the lowest portion of the roof. The higher volume is preserved for the open collection and reading areas. An accessible exterior reading court captures panoramic views of the mountains to the north.
Design Architect: Richärd Kennedy Architects
Architect of Record: Richärd Kennedy Architects
Client: City of Tucson
Size: 10,661 SF
Project Type: Civic + Public
Services: Architecture, Programming, Planning, Interior Design
Delivery Method: CMAR
General Contractor: Lang Wyatt Construction
Mechanical Engineer: Clayton Engineering & Consulting
Electrical Engineer: Jerome E. McGetrick & Associates, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Caruso Turley Scott, Inc.
Civil Engineer: KPFF, Inc.
Landscape Design Architect: Larry Zukowski & Associates, P.C.
Photographer: Bill Timmerman
Certification: LEED Silver Certified
2010 – ALA PRIME TIME Family Reading Time Award
2006 – ALA / IIDA Awards, Honor Award: Public Libraries 30,000 SF - smaller
2005 – AIA Arizona, Citation Award
2005 – AIA Western Mountain Region, Merit Award
2001 – AIA Western Mountain Region, Citation Award: Unbuilt