A place of retreat

The idea of allowing one to feel a connection to the library felt key in engaging one with the space. Through thresholds this was achieved as the thresholds became distinctions and transitional moments within the architecture to achieve this concept of one leaving behind a busy plaza and feeling a connection to the library.

The massing was purposefully designed to face the public street so that the solid aspect of the building sat harshly against the public. This was then aligned to the idea of utilising thick and thick walls. Thick walls faced the public, whilst the thin walls faced the courtyard. Thus, through form a transition can start to be seen. Windows strengthened this idea as fewer windows faced the public, whilst larger open windows faced the courtyard. With this a sense of intrigue is felt on the public street and a sense of openness to the exterior is experienced inside the building.

The courtyard in itself acts as a library 'garden' as it feels disconnected to the public by being placed at the back of the building. The threshold of the colonnade aims to define this space, whilst also being a functional moment within the space. The central circulation and clearly designed spaces in the courtyard create spaces that are utilised and extend the usage of the library to the exterior. Reading nooks and windows are seen within the interior which has been extended to this exterior space to follow through this idea of creating domestic spaces.

Overall, the design intention works in many aspects to create this transition between the public street and the library where a disconnection and then connection is experienced, from exterior to interior. Through the combination of different architectural methods of achieving this the library and its forms work in harmony in creating this setting.