Quincie Douglas Public Library
Quincie Douglas Public Library
Tucson, AZ

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. 

The concept of the library is centered around bridging two elements of the library and a future pedestrian bridge. The thrusted arc of the future bridge is captured in the flowing roof form of the library, opening generously over the entry.


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

The concept of the library is centered around bridging two elements of the library and a future pedestrian bridge. The thrusted arc of the future bridge is captured in the flowing roof form of the library, opening generously over the entry.

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