Hasta La Ideas

Oak, bronze and terrazzo are among the materials found in an art deco-style library that has been revamped by New York-based architect Toshiko Mori.

The project marks the first phase in a multi-stage revitalisation of Brooklyn’s Central Library, which is located along Grand Army Plaza in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The facility draws over 1.3 million visitors per year.

The Art Deco-style building opened in 1941 and is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. The recent renovation is the most extensive in the facility’s history.

The project entailed the refurbishment of existing features and the transformation of administrative areas into public zones. Honey-toned oak, light-coloured flooring and metal accents are found throughout the overhauled spaces.

“We were able to optimise the spatial potential of the Central Branch to engage and respond to the evolving needs of its community and to further its role as an essential civic and community asset,” said Japan-born Toshiko Mori, who leads his eponymous studio in New York.

“Its mission of providing knowledge for free to everyone is now enhanced by increased physical and visual access to its resources.”

The refresh is visible as soon as visitors enter the building. The library’s soaring lobby now features new lighting and a newly poured terrazzo floor, along with historic oak panelling.

A new welcome centre with desks made of white oak and brushed brass is named after Major Owens, a late Congressman who worked as a Brooklyn librarian in the 1950s and 1960s.

Near the library’s grand lobby is a “New & Noteworthy” book gallery that offers a non-traditional browsing experience. Titles are curated by librarians and displayed on open-block shelving.

Overhead, hand-blown white-glass pendants are set within a lattice made of brushed bronze.

“A striking, custom-designed metal ceiling sculpture with speciality lighting invites curious readers to spend time exploring the collections in the room,” the team said, noting that the installation is visible from the street, entry plaza and lobby.

The project also entailed the creation of a “Civic Commons”, where various public services are offered, such as issuing passports and city identification cards. The space will also host local committee meetings, voter registration drives and other civic events.

The space features natural white oak panelling, built-in millwork and light-toned terrazzo flooring. A seating area is fitted with curved benches and a ceiling recess with cove lighting.

“Perimeter spaces are finished with bright white interiors, along with new windows bringing light into a formerly windowless concrete interior,” the team said. “The floor finishes in these spaces are light-toned carpet tile allowing for easy maintenance.”

The team also enlarged the library’s business and career centre. It now holds four meeting rooms, two seminar rooms, seven conversation nooks and a co-working area. Design elements include 24-foot (7.3-metre) shared workbenches that cantilever at the ends and are supported by solid brushed-bronze rods.

Other work completed during the project include new public restrooms, the refinishing of wood panelling and flooring, and upgrades to the building’s elevators, fire alarm system and heating-and-cooling system. An outdoor plaza was fitted with new limestone and lighting.

In future phases, the library will get a new teen centre and renovated collection wings, among other enhancements.

Toshik0 Mori is a New York-based architect.

Other public libraries in New York include the Hunters Point Library in Queens, designed by Steven Holl Architects. The concrete building has large, irregularly shaped windows that offer views of the East River and Manhattan.

On Staten Island, Andrew Berman Architects overhauled the interior of a library dating to 1909 and connected it to an annex clad in zinc and glass.

Photography is by Gregg Richards.

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