Streamwood, Illinois | Architect: Frye Gillan Molinaro

Flexible, Functional, Fabulous The Poplar Creek Public Library expansion went all out, with its glass beacon tower, colorful and soaring open spaces, like the Amoeba, a 100' LED panel lightwall, and the duly named tech Green Zone. did someone say kick-ass? Photos copyright Lambros Photography/Lambrosphoto.com

1 | From Eyesore to Eye-Catcher

The New Icons The Ten New Landmark Libraries Popular Creek Public Library Palo Verde Library/ Maryvale Community Center Cesar Chavez Branch Library Hamilton Mill Branch Library Durango Public Library Sammamish Library Appaloosa Branch Library Agave Library Roseville Library Anythink Wright Farms Ten More That Will Inspire Criteria and Judges

Poplar Creek, one in an emerging club of “pop” libraries, packs punch by merging 1960s style with present-day prognostication. Bold thinking, driven by a desire for sustainability and reinforced by community input, led to the project’s success.

It all started with a challenge: how to renovate and expand a 44,000 square foot brutalist style building into a modern-day cultural center for residents to adopt as their own.

Regarded as a district library, the underused 1966 formed-concrete structure is located in a residential neighborhood but was uninviting and austere. Library leadership wanted to give it a new image as a vibrant, flexible, and functional gathering place that would have a fresh green ethic and a focus on technology. The design team was faced with how to expand without creating an imposing structure that fit even less well in the neighborhood.

Several rounds of public meetings and lots of staff comments unearthed other issues, like the need for more meeting and study rooms, concerns about pedestrian safety when crossing the street to a remote parking lot, and discomfort from noise pollution created by mechanical equipment.

Reinvention by intervention The new Poplar Creek is a perfect solution, as well as a genuine response to residents’ needs. According to one of the judges, it represents a “superb intervention with spectacular spaces.” Another commented, “This is one I would travel out of my way to see. [It is a] great example of how to work with an existing building.” Another said it was “an impressive reworking of a brutalist nightmare.”

The community agrees, now embracing it as a valuable part of their lives.

That elevated status followed a series of decisions. First, linking the site to city hall and the police department with a new bicycle and pedestrian path resulted in a 400 percent increase in bike and pedestrian access. Second, a glass beacon tower at the west entrance signals that there are important services inside. Third, the “kick-ass” design entices users of all ages to spend time in the unique environment. And, perhaps, most significant, community involvement resuscitated library support and built ownership early on.

To avoid overwhelming the adjacent homes, the addition matches the original’s height wherever possible. This was done by burrowing 40 percent of the new structure into the earth to minimize the size impact and to fit with the existing building, which was partially recessed.

Nonetheless, this library packs a wallop. The new façade includes expanses of glass that communicate transparency. Large splashes of color, recycled rubber flooring, unexpected forms, and surprising use of technology all go into the huge wow factor present here.

More, including style, for less "Poplar Creek more than doubled in size yet pays $17,000 less in annual utility costs—compare that to the estimated $70,000 more it would have faced had it been built conventionally. The plethora of green technologies includes a gigantic planted green roof that serves as extra insulation, LED light fixtures, occupancy sensors, a lighting control system, dual-flush toilets, sun “scoops” to capture heat in the winter and release it in the summer, and high-efficiency boilers, water heaters, and chillers.

Smart planning led to even more savings and benefits. The open floor plan and focus on self-service meant no additional staff were needed and allowed the library to reduce the security detail by one guard. Installing a traffic light at that problematic intersection took full advantage of the remote parking lot, dropping the number of new spaces needed. Increased efficiencies in the workroom enabled circulation staff to serve as floating customer service specialists and greeters at entrances.

These choices complement similarly strong and stylish architecture signatures. The main area, the Amoeba, is a curved platform floating in the middle of the floor plan that allows for views and connectivity to the lower level. A 100' LED panel lightwall sets the mood for the space. Easily programmable, it has a daily opening and closing “ceremony,” much like human-brokered ones in Japanese stores, that serves to greet patrons at opening and alert them to the approaching closing time.

The Green Zone, the most courageous spot in the library, is a tech area that links the adults and children’s spaces, and, given its bright green color, it has caused quite a stir. Children, of course, love it!

Together, these bold moves mean the Poplar Creek renovation and expansion raises the bar on library design.