Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library – Forest Park Branch

Building Architecture- Large Scale (>10,000 sf)

Project Narrative

At the heart of the new Forest Park library is the community for which it's built. This is exemplified in the open courtyard around which the library spaces are wrapped. To give the courtyard a sense of containment and privacy, the canopy wraps around it on all four sides and slopes inward to keep the roof line around it as low as possible. Three sides of the canopy create a roof enclosure for the interior spaces. In contrast, the fourth side becomes a distinctive open trellis that gives a unique identity to the library and welcomes patrons from the community into its space.

The library is organized into two main masses, the functionally enclosed spaces under the low roof that wraps the building on three sides, and the large open reading areas, stacks, and marketplace under the high canopy that blends seamlessly with the outside. Clerestory windows above the low roof and under the canopy provide daylight into the open areas throughout the day. At the same time, a large expanse of angled curtainwall allows the open spaces to push into the courtyard and also pulls the courtyard into the open space.

The interior design of the library is a delightful blend of refinement and playfulness. The rich palette of colors offered in the library brand standards is delicately applied to selective fixtures and finishes so as not to overwhelm the simplicity of the space. This modest color strategy is balanced with ample warmth brought into the interior by the wood tones and daylight. The children’s area is where the design comes alive by building the space around a playful tree feature that anchors the indoor play area for the kids. This allows them to interact with the tree and all the stories that the children discover in the books that surround it.