Journal / Illustrative design notes
What timber brings to a public library
Structure, acoustics, daylight, and the character of a shared civic room.
Let the structure do more
In the branch library concept, the exposed glulam columns and timber trusses establish the reading room’s scale. Keeping the structure visible gives the interior a clear material identity and reduces the need for applied finishes.
Design for listening, too
An open reading room needs places for conversation as well as concentration. Acoustic treatment must be considered alongside the timber structure, with panels and surfaces integrated into the spaces between members.
Keep the neighborhood in view
The window wall brings the mature trees into the experience of the room. The library’s role as a place to read, study, and gather begins with that simple relationship between an inviting interior and its surroundings.