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Libraries are bastions of culture and learning, and in what seems to be a growing trend, they are also implementing dramatic design features to portray their pivotal standing in society. Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta has frequently been called upon to create important civic and educational spaces, such as the Calgary Central Library and Ryerson Student Learning Centre. Soon, Philadelphia's Temple University and its 37,800 students will have their own brand new library designed by the internationally recognized team, one equipped with an event hall, study areas, and a wealth of public space.
Inspired by historic Greek public places, the designs of which put an emphasis on collaboration and human interaction, book storage takes a backseat to strong social spaces. An automated book retrieval system stockpiles nearly two million works, freeing up room for student learning. Landscaped terraces seamlessly connect to the building, allowing both indoor and outdoor study activities to take place.
The stone-clad building features carved cutaways at the entry points, where large wooden archways provide a warm welcome to visitors. A sleek, transparent glass entrance accompanies the wood canopy. The ceiling stretches into the lobby to form a three-storey domed atrium with large circular openings which enable users of the space to peer into the upper crevices of the interior. Fitted with white terrazzo floors, the lobby will also house a cafe that will provide students with their daily caffeine fix. On the upper levels, meandering staircases and reading nooks add a playful element to the quiet halls.
The top floor is enclosed in glass, providing an airy respite from the rougher textures below. A stepped terrace that doubles as seating is coupled with a green roof which crowns the structure. The project received high praise last year when it was evaluated by Philadelphia's Civic Design Review process, receiving unanimous support from its members.
It's safe to say this is a project many Philadelphians are looking forward to. They won't have to wait too long, as construction is scheduled to commence shortly so that the building is ready in the fall of 2018. Upon completion, the library will be another impressive addition to Snøhetta's expanding North American portfolio.
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