PROJECT Sterling Branch Library
LOCATION Sterling, Virginia, US
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 1/15/2017
ARCHITECT Grimm + Parker Architects
ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT
OWNER/CLIENT Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun County Government
CONTRACTOR / CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Marion Construction
PHOTOGRAPHER Sam Kittner
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM Melanie Hennigan, David Wolf, Julia Crawford, David Whale, Richard Watt, Benjamin Plummer
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
How do you insert a new 14,500 sf new library into a 20 year old shopping center that has seen better days? Very carefully! Loudoun County leased three abandoned storefronts that they wanted to convert into a new community library. The constraints of the lease and budget limitations rendered this an interior-only exercise. The solution located active spaces adjacent to the long ribbon of storefront to invite visitors in.
As you enter, the zone to the left is a teen area. With computers, anime, gaming screens, and fun furniture, this area lets teens do their thing. A movable glass nano-wall separates the teens from the rest of the library when things get loud and activities start to buzz.
Along the front wall, at the storefront, are dynamic seating areas with booths and a variety of tables and chairs. Parents can read, study, meet or chill while their children enjoy the “jelly bean” cut-outs in the children’s area. Interiors are brought to life with vibrant colors, daylighting and flexible furnishings that support a variety of activities – from festive to reflective.
The library ceiling has skylights and bulkheads that draw you into new places along the way. Along the path are computers, a maker space, spaces for business incubation, tutoring rooms, and conference rooms, and a community meeting room.
The library has become a beacon in the older shopping center. It glows at night and attracts visitors. By day, the library is filled with laughter and delight (daylight) as people enjoy the amenities offered. The new library has helped to transform an older, “has-been” shopping center into a new, hip place to hang out and engage, to see and be seen, with neighbors and friends!
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1 Sterling Library_thumbnail, Interior, © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
IMAGE 2 Sterling Library_high res ext, Exterior Storefront, © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
IMAGE 3 Sterling Library_high res int, Interior Children's Area, © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
IMAGE 4 Sterling Library_img 04, Interior, © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
IMAGE 5 Sterling Library_img 05, Interior, © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
IMAGE 6 Sterling Library_img 06, Interior, © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
IMAGE 7 Sterling Library_img 07, Interior, © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
IMAGE 8 Sterling Library_img 08, Interior, © Sam Kittner/Kittner.com
Sterling Branch Library
Category
Local > AIA Potomac Valley > Institutional Architecture (AIA Potomac Valley)
Winner Status
- Merit Award
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