Northport Library

Northport Library Proposal

Project Program: The Village of Northport has commissioned us to design a library the will be located next to the Northport Harbor at the end of Main Street. We may design building to either hit with the community or to become a pearl in the community. The Village would like the designs to include the following:

Children's Area

Young Adult Area

Adult Area
Community Multi-purpose Room

Gallery

Meeting Rooms

Reading Area and Lounges

S.T.E.M Room

Café

Office Suite

Outdoor Area

Conceptual Design

Building Diagrams

Final Site Plan

After studying The Orillia Library site diagram, I decided that I wanted my project to also become its own community building. When laying the site, I chose to allow the building's shape to help create outdoor areas. In the front of the building, there is a courtyard with a large gathering area located next to a multipurpose room for community functions. The extension of a miniature park on the north side of building was meant to connect new building and existing park while at the same time providing a space for more community activities and a picturesque path toward the dock.

This building is located in a flood zone and has amazing water views. Due to the flood zone, the building was raised to elevation eleven and this allowed for a clear, undisturbed line of vision towards the water views. To keep that unobstructed view the building was placed on the far west side of the site while the parking lot was located on the east side of the building.

Floor Plans

1st Floor

2nd Floor

The design of this building began with strong geometric essence. I wanted to use circular element in my children's area and them proceeded to use more circular elements in lobby and into the adult desk area.

On the first floor, I wanted to keep loud and large community areas. The children's spaces are isolated to prevent unnecessary interaction between children and adults. The most community based rooms are also on the first floor with easy access to the exterior, so that they may be used even when library is closed.

On the second floor, I decided to wrap meeting rooms around large book stacks, reading area, and desk areas. I used smaller spaces (bathrooms), structural components and furniture arrangement to help create larger spaces without closing them off completely. The office suite was isolated to one side of building to provide privacy for employee.

Elevations

This building will use white brick, vertical European-style composite wood siding, and a charcoal horizontal composite wood siding. I used the vertical siding on two story elements, such as two-story lobby, and stairwells. White brick was used on the side of building containing multipurpose room to tie together my building to the rest of community. Main street is filled with small stores with white brick facades.

Schematic Section

Final Building

The New Experience

The largest component of this building would be the high-line inspired ramp system that connects grade to the large outdoor terrace on the second floor. I wanted this ramp to provide members of the community with a place to go visit and experience seamless outdoor views. As you go up the ramp, you would only see the skyline and once you reach the top of the ramp you experience the fantastic water views. Large planters and seating area provide places for anyone you sit can experience the building park and port.