Karl Road Branch Library
Project Description
Originally designed by Moody Nolan, the existing Karl Road branch has been an anchor for the evolving neighborhood for over 30 years. The area has now become a multi-cultural neighborhood with many different nationalities and needs. The design aspires to create a space where people of various backgrounds can come together to connect. The “Place of Connection” strives to bring to its patrons’ information, resources, technology, and many uplifting tools to facilitate positive and impactful change in the community.
Project Stats
Location
Columbus, OH
Year of Completion
2021
Project Gallery
Design Features
The building planning creates an open and flexible high ceiling main space that guides you to the upper level. The upper level is primarily adult spaces that offer different styles of quiet space and collection areas that overlook the exterior gardens. The ground floor includes lower height program elements, meeting rooms, support functions, ad a large children’s area that also overlooks exterior green space. The central upper-level space takes advantage of the unique roof form allowing daylight in and throughout the building.
The building’s form draws you in all directions and provides transparency for viewing to the north, west, and south. The three petal forms come together at the center of the building and their overlay allows for clerestory lighting in the center of the building mass. The roof slopes in response to the three petal forms and emulates the roofs of the building in the neighborhood. Each petal has a subtle curve that helps drawings one in and gives a building a unique form from all vantage points.