libraries
WE LOVE LIBRARIES
Library projects provide an opportunity for people to share and dream about their community. To facilitate this process is a joy, a privilege, and a serious responsibility, as these civic buildings will likely remain in use for generations. We take great pride and care in these projects.
ENVISION
Designing a library begins with outreach and visioning to provide the framework for the project and build community support. We have extensive experience coordinating and guiding various stakeholder groups, such as a local Friends of the Library chapter, the regional public library system, municipalities, and other jurisdictions to help create a unified vision for a new library.
FUTURE-PROOFING
Library design must anticipate the future, which is why we consider the current needs of a community as well as the growth of its users, collections, and circulation activity. Facility expansion is a part of the master plan when possible. We strive for maximum adaptability of the primary spaces, allowing for the changing needs of various user groups and media.
BEYOND BOOKS
Libraries now fill a variety of roles including community center, information hub, and educational facility, among many others. Meeting rooms and classrooms have recently taken center stage as vital community amenities that pair well with library functions. Tool Libraries and Maker Spaces are increasingly transforming modern libraries from mere repositories of books into vibrant, creative spaces for personal projects and collaborative endeavors alike.
A HEALTHY PLACE TO GATHER
Libraries have specific environmental needs to best serve the community. Some aspects that need careful consideration are acoustics (libraries must be quiet, but not too quiet), ventilation (they sometimes function as a place of refuge from poor outdoor air quality), and natural lighting (the best path to a comfortable, attractive, and energy-saving space). PBW has the expertise to design beautiful, functional buildings that are healthy and enriching for their inhabitants.
