Inside our latest library projects

SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastiside Library in Riverside, CA is a new library anchored in commitment to service and youth mentorship.

SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library rendering — SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastiside Library in Riverside, CA is a new library anchored in commitment to service and youth mentorship.

April 10, 2024

Libraries are more than repositories of books. Whether in a learning environment or a public space, libraries offer a unique sense of place that caters to the various needs and behaviors of the communities they serve. They are societal institutions that drive culture and community and help to enrich our lives with books, resources and services that support all ages and stages of life.

To celebrate National Library Week (April 7-13), we compiled a few in-the-works projects designed to celebrate the critical roles of libraries and the people who enjoy them. As libraries are doing even more to expand their roles as hubs of engagement and cultural exploration, we’re proud to partner with library clients who are committed to empowering their communities to flourish.

The ongoing renovation of the New York Public Library's landmarked 116-year-old Port Richmond Library will significantly improve the infrastructure of the 116-year-old branch and enhance service for all patrons. Renovations include updating dedicated areas for children, teens and adults as well as multi-purpose rooms for a variety of programs and classes, along with technology and infrastructure upgrades.

Nypl Portrichmondbranch 1 — The ongoing renovation of the New York Public Library's landmarked 116-year-old Port Richmond Library will significantly improve the infrastructure of the 116-year-old branch and enhance service for all patrons. Renovations include updating dedicated areas for children, teens and adults as well as multi-purpose rooms for a variety of programs and classes, along with technology and infrastructure upgrades.

New York Public Library Carnegie Library Branch Renovations

The New York Public Library Carnegie branches have been civic hubs for generations. Originally constructed more than a century ago, the buildings are currently undergoing full renovations to restore and modernize the spaces, while celebrating their timeless character. Our team is leading the renovation projects for three of the Carnegie branches: 125th Street, Fort Washington and Port Richmond.

With programs and services tailored to their neighborhood needs, each building includes design modernizations that feature flexible, open plans that can support various functions and elements that optimize building performance. From career resources and culturally diverse collections to social service partnerships and popular after- school programs, the updated libraries will spark renewed energy that is truly in and of their communities.

Renovation of the 117-year-old 224 East 125th Street Library in East Harlem includes a remodel of its third floor (which has been inaccessible for decades), new dedicated and flexible spaces for programming, individual reading areas for adults, children and teens, and additional essential upgrades throughout.

Nypl Library 125th — Renovation of the 117-year-old 224 East 125th Street Library in East Harlem includes a remodel of its third floor (which has been inaccessible for decades), new dedicated and flexible spaces for programming, individual reading areas for adults, children and teens, and additional essential upgrades throughout.

Nypl 125branch Floors — Renovation of the 117-year-old 224 East 125th Street Library in East Harlem includes a remodel of its third floor (which has been inaccessible for decades), new dedicated and flexible spaces for programming, individual reading areas for adults, children and teens, and additional essential upgrades throughout.

The century-old Fort Washington Library remodel will introduce dedicated and flexible spaces for programming, along with individual reading areas for adults, children and teens. The library remodel also includes the former custodial apartment on the third floor, transforming it into public space and providing new opportunities for additional programs and services.

Nypl Library — The century-old Fort Washington Library remodel will introduce dedicated and flexible spaces for programming, along with individual reading areas for adults, children and teens. The library remodel also includes the former custodial apartment on the third floor, transforming it into public space and providing new opportunities for additional programs and services.

SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library

SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library is a model for leveraging the power of design to help strengthen a community. Purposely located adjacent to the prominent and historic Cesar Chavez Community Center on the east side of Riverside, CA, the library establishes a multi-dimensional community hub that activates the site for all members of the culturally diverse neighborhood to use.

With transparency as its guiding principle, the building opens its arms wide, inviting all to partake in the wealth of knowledge within. The exterior solar screen, adorned with patterns reflecting the area's diverse cultural heritage, serves not only as a shield against the sun but also as a canvas for the community's expression. With highly adaptable indoor and outdoor maker spaces, separate children’s, teen and adult sections, multipurpose rooms and more, the library provides a welcoming environment where all can feel a sense of comfort and belonging.

The community room, a flexible space bridging indoors and outdoors, is a place for gatherings and collaboration. With retractable doors opening to an exterior patio, it blurs the boundaries between inside and out, inviting endless possibilities for community engagement.

Jesus Duran Library 3 — The community room, a flexible space bridging indoors and outdoors, is a place for gatherings and collaboration. With retractable doors opening to an exterior patio, it blurs the boundaries between inside and out, inviting endless possibilities for community engagement.

The client’s preference for simplicity led to a minimalist gallery like interior that prioritizes connections to the outdoors, showcases cultural artwork and incorporates sculptural furniture.

Jesus Duran Library Interior Photo — The client’s preference for simplicity led to a minimalist gallery like interior that prioritizes connections to the outdoors, showcases cultural artwork and incorporates sculptural furniture.

College of the Mainland Library and Classroom Building

Located along the Gulf Coast in Texas City, Texas, the College of the Mainland Library and Classroom Building is a community college facility that also functions as a public library. The new building will serve as the gateway to campus, welcoming students to a premier academic and fine arts experience, while serving as a hub of opportunity for the surrounding community.

While it is predominantly a campus library, the dual function of the building was a driver in the programming, planning and design of the space. One way this is being emphasized is with the design of two front doors, a welcoming civic façade and a campus entry that frames and defines the central campus quadrangle. The library occupies the entirety of one side of the building, on the first and second levels, and has an entry off the lobby that favors neither the campus quad nor the community entries.