Grimm + Parker Receives 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award
Posted on Apr. 10, 2018 / AIAPV Member News / Subscribe 0
Photo credit: © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
Excerpts from the April 6 edition of AIA Architect:
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) awarded six libraries with the 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards for excellence in architectural design. The AIA/ALA Library Building Award is the only award that recognizes entire library structures and all aspects of their design.
One of the award-winning designs, the Laurel Branch Library located in Prince George's County, was featured on the cover of the Friday, April 6th edition of AIA Architect. 2018 AIAPV President, Antonio Rebelo, AIA was the lead designer on the project.
Traditional roles of libraries are evolving. Today, libraries are designed with larger gathering spaces to support the needs of the community and many include sustainable features to conserve water or energy. Both of these trends are reflected by this year’s AIA/ALA Library Building Award recipients.
Laurel Branch Library; Largo, Maryland | Grimm + Parker Architects
The 32,000-square-foot library replaces an existing facility, which was one of Prince George’s County’s most heavily used libraries. Its architecture provides a pedestrian-friendly solution that solidifies the library’s institutional presence while improving and respecting the park.
Photo credit: © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
The interior was designed to enhance the user experience through a replica paleontological dig site in the floor of the children’s area and public art pieces by local artists in other spaces. While not pursuing LEED certification, the LEED-NC v3 system provided an overarching design framework for its sustainable features. Outside, the site is a living laboratory for stormwater management and local ecosystems. Native drought-resistant plants were planted in large sweeps on the park and library grounds for maximum visual and functional impact. Flowering cherry trees echo nearby Washington, D.C., and a stand of native oaks reference the history of the site, once known as Oak Grove.
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Congratulations to the entire Architectural Design Team!
Melanie Hennigan, AIA, LEED AP, Richard Morrison, AIA, LEED AP, Antonio Rebelo, AIA, IIDA, Julia Crawford, NCIDQ, LEED AP, Amy Upton, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Agnes Panganiban, LEED AP, Benjamin Plummer, AIA, NCARB, CSI, CDT, LEED AP
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