This new 51,600 square foot facility combines the functions of a modern public library with the components of a state of the art central campus library. The library includes a 200 seat multifunctional meeting room, conference and multimedia center, high tech classrooms, computer center, quiet and interaction rooms, as well as all the components of both public and academic libraries. A children’s library and storytime room are organized below the academic story telling institution with vertical connection to the exterior courtyard dedicated to the children’s use.

The building is modeled after the architecture of an integrated circuit, providing insulation between disparate functions and promoting interaction and connection between like functions and spaces. Academic programs affiliated with those within the public library are organized around vertical interconnected spaces; providing a discrete connection while maintaining critical organization within each discipline. Natural light is brought deep into the diagram through a series of triple insulated clerestory monitors through a series of light shafts to the floors below. The interior of the building is lined in an acoustical cedar wood, frosted and laser cut acrylic panels reflect patterned abstractions of the agriculture that once was an integral part of the community. An accessible flooring system allows for continual reorganization of the building, while all services are distributed by a continuous illuminated distribution circuit, accessible throughout its length for flexibility. The articulated skin of weathering copper is designed to provide a naturally ventilating skin, and triple layered insulated clerestories provide a high performance enclosure.



Project
South Mountain Community Library

Client
Maricopa County Community Colleges District + City of Phoenix


Architect
Richärd+Bauer, Phoenix
James Richärd, AIA (designer + principal-in-charge)
Kelly Bauer, NCIDQ, FIIDA (project manager + interior design)
Stephen Kennedy, AIA, NCARB (principal project architect + construction administration)
Andrew Timberg, AIA, LEED AP (project architect)
Will Craig, RA (construction administration)

(staff architects)
Mark Loewenthal, LEED AP
Alex Therien, RA, NCARB, LEED AP
Brant Long, RA, LEED AP
Stacey Crumbaker, NCIDQ (ff+e specification)
Claudia Saunders (teen area interior design)
Melissa Pulsifer, SEGD, AIGA (graphic design + signage)

MEP Engineer
Energy Systems Design, Inc.

Structural Engineer
Rudow+Berry

Civil Engineer
Dibble Engineering

General Contractor
Haydon Building Corp

Landscape Architect
Kimley-Horn & Associates

Acoustical Consultant
McKay Conant Hoover

Lighting Design
Roger Smith Lighting Design

Library Building Consultant
Drew Harrington Associates

Size
51,600 sf

Cost
16.3M

Completion Date: August 2011

Const. Delivery Method: CM@R