Built on an existing post office lot, the new 23,260 SF Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library acts as community hub and serves as a replacement for two shuttered neighbored libraries effected by recent flooding. The space was envisioned as a facility for the modern community, surrounded by verdant, art-filled public gathering spaces. The pedestrian-friendly main entrance engages the residential neighborhood to the north, while scaling down to fit with its range of surroundings.
The layout encourages interaction with nature. Expansive glazing and cavernous walkways allow the patron to engage the building’s internal activities before reaching the entrances. The site cuts deep into the library, allowing patrons a variety of spaces in both function and scale to experience nature. Color inhabits these spaces, and sunlight takes a more apparent possession of the building. Housing the traditional book stacks and reading areas while including innovative spaces for gathering and collaborating. The library includes a café, flexible meeting areas, audio, video and podcast recording spaces, private study rooms and a variety of seating arrangements.