The existing Library opened in 1960 as a renovation of a single-story, 6,000-square-foot grocery store. Its scale and services no longer meet community needs or the educational and programmatic aspirations of Brooklyn Library. The Pandemic exacerbated the issues as residents needed a safe space to gather.
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Gold 🏆 Winner
Global Future Design Awards 2024
Brooklyn Public Library, Canarsie Branch
Public Building (Under Construction)
Firm
Studio Joseph
Architect/Designer
Wendy Joseph
Design Team
Wendy Evans Joseph, Principal Alexios Bacolas, Project Lead Alexandra Adamski, Designer Felipe Colin, Designer Jingyuan Huang, Designer
Location
1580 Rockaway Pkwy. at, Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Country
China
Photographer/Copyright
©Studio Joseph
Website
https://studiojoseph.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/studio.joseph/
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studiojoseph
The new Library will significantly improve the lives of the Canarsie citizens. Not only will there be double the amount of interior programmed space, but there will also be landscaped areas both at the street level and on the second floor for casual seating and events. The Library will support today’s programming needs for data-based study and provide easy access to a wide range of educational resources for children, teens, and adults.
The Library will be a physical and symbolic beacon of its community—transparent by day, a lantern by night.
The Process
Extensive community engagement preceded the architectural design. The work included one-on-one meetings, focus groups, tabling at Bookmobile events, workshops, and surveys to ensure the Library would reflect the neighborhood’s specific needs. Engagement workshops were held in person at the Library with diverse community members. Particular attention was paid to understanding the challenges facing this neighborhood, where there has historically been a shortage of public amenities. This work resulted in a highly responsive design that meets user needs. This dialog paid off as there was enthusiastic reception when plans were unveiled in a public meeting.
The Design
The Library’s soul lies in the extensive use of environmentally responsible materials. A mass timber structural system is both an ecological solution and a response to the community’s appeal for warmth by using a natural palette. Transparency from the street to the reading areas enhances the feeling of safety and comfort while also allowing the staff to observe how people interact. The use of soft blue or green tones, comfortable, ample, upholstered furniture all contribute to hospitable placemaking. Sustainable features include on-site stormwater management, solar panels, and repurposed materials. A frit on all windows reduces heat gain and eliminates bird strikes.
Program This new building doubles the public space and services that are in keeping with today’s technology. A large meeting room, (a strong wish by the residents) is located at the front door. It supports gatherings during the day and evening when other parts of the Library are closed. A maker space, a recording studio, a virtual conferencing room, and a second-floor outdoor terrace are all specific to this community. The terrace is a safe place to relax and enjoy tending to plants. New protocols include a secured children’s reading area with age-appropriate furniture and materiality as well as ample stroller storage. The teen’s room allows for gaming, quiet study, and group activities around making.