This project was a journey to try and understand the new definition of a library. Libraries today are so much more than just a collection of books; they are the main resource for its community. What we understood was that a library should be based primarily on locality and the community it serves. Having been located in New Orleans, this project posed a challenge to try and digest the diverse and expansive culture of New Orleans. Embedded social constructs of race, ethnicity, poverty, social inequity layered with the hot and humid, hurricane-prone climate painted a complex environment for a library. Our reaction was to create an architectural solution that elicited empathy and enthalpy, a place of equity and refuge for all community members.
NEW ORLEANS LIBRARY
Solar Optimization
The climate of New Orleans is extremely hot and humid. The project was shaped like an arrow to reduce direct southern solar. An exterior skin was unitized to reduce solar heat gain and optimize daylighting.
Social Atriums
Each atrium allowed for day light to penetrate deep into the space while also creating social connection to its occupants. This is where the library becomes a collection of people and resource.
Passive Ventilation
Passive ventilation around the building site created exterior spaces of refuge for the community. The broken arrow massing concept allowed air to penetration the building site.
Desiccant Towers
Based on a concept by Pliny Fisk each tower of the library uses reusable desiccant trays to remove moisture from the air in a process of passive dehumidification and inherently cooling the a space.
Exterior Skin
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
