DESIGN TREND: Inside Out

This year’s crop of libraries demonstrates a continued commitment to the well-being of library workers and patrons through biophilic design, a tried-and-true construct to connect people with nature in hopes of improving human health. Something as simple as large windows to provide quality views to natural and urban environments (Glendale Branch Library, Indianapolis Public Library, and Middletown Branch, Frederick County Public Libraries, MD) is a feature many libraries sacrificed in the past to maximize wall space for collections, wayfinding, and storage. However, views of the outdoors from interiors are proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive function, while fostering a sense of connection to the natural world—an innate human need.

Libraries lacking the option to enlarge existing windows used art, natural materials, and organic curvature to bring the outdoors in. The Clearview Windsor Library, Clearview Library District, CO, for example, created a starry sky on the ceiling of a cozy reading and program space along with illustrated trees and flying birds to engage folks with the outdoors they couldn’t quite see through the very high windows. In another area, a graphic mountain range and trees, artfully displayed in a space outlined by timbers and green carpeting, evokes a sense of being outdoors.

A significant trend this year is the evolution of the COVID-era recognition of the importance of outdoor spaces adjacent to traditional facilities. This year the number of libraries that boldly devoted square footage to engaging exterior areas was notable. These not only allow for additional programming capacity, but for spaces such as patios and decks (Greenfield Public Library, MA, and Twin Beaches Branch, Calvert Library, North Beach, MD), porches (Braselton Public Library, GA), and versatile plazas (Main Branch, Cincinnati–Hamilton County Public Library, OH) that can accommodate active programs, passive social gatherings, and areas for individuals to find a quiet spot outdoors to contemplate or focus on a task.

BACK TO YEAR IN ARCHITECTURE 2024 LANDING PAGE

Glendale Branch Library, Indianapolis Public Library; krM Architecture, architect; Al Ensley, photo.

Middletown Branch, Frederick County Public Libraries, MD; HBM Architects and Noelker and Hull Associates, architects; Robert D. Benton, photo.

Twin Beaches Branch, Calvert Library, MD; HBM Architects and Colimore Architects, architects; Jeffrey Sauers, CPI Productions, photo.

Braselton Public Library, GA; Architectural Collaborative, architect; Trasher Photo & Design, photo.

Clearview Windsor Library, Clearview Library District, CO; RATIO Architects, LLC, architect; Frank Ooms, photo.

Greenfield Public Library, MA; Johnson Roberts Associates, Inc., architect; Leigh Chodos, photo.

BACK TO YEAR IN ARCHITECTURE 2024 LANDING PAGE