Commissioned to build a new library in the Bronx, Snohetta drew inspiration from the New York City borough’s relatively abundant tree and park space, with a green exterior and key sustainability features such as solar power and rainwater. designed an eye-catching building with collection.
The Westchester Square Library, designed in collaboration with the New York City Department of Design and Construction, consists of a concrete base that supports a glazed box section above. It depicts an abstract landscape of trees and is finished with fritted glass that allows sunlight to comfortably penetrate inside. At night, it glows like a beacon, says Snohetta.
The interior of the building is 12,000 square feet (1,114 square meters) spread over two floors. It hosts two classrooms, two reading rooms, a versatile community space, restrooms, and a study room. Spaces are arranged according to the need for natural light and views, with sidewalks and nearby elevated tracks to showcase the library’s more social areas.
“The classroom and community room spaces overlook a new viewing garden at street level that doubles as a water retention and filtration facility,” says Snohetta. “A library filled with shade-loving perennial groundcovers and flowering ornamental trees. His viewing garden combines abstract façade patterns with the environmental performance of the library to provide visual pleasure. increase.”
Snohetta & LMNB
Snøhetta aims to be LEED Platinum (green building standard) certified, and in addition to its strong focus on natural light and water, the library features a well-insulated structure. A solar array will be placed on top to reduce grid-based power requirements, and an energy efficient ventilation system will be installed.
Construction on the Westchester Square Library is set to begin by late 2023, following other notable libraries by prominent Norwegian companies, including the stunning Calgary Central Library, and the similarly tree-inspired Beijing Sub Library. Construction of the central library is in progress.
Source: Snohetta
