Staunton Public Library
Abbie Welton - Spring 2022
Primary walls become hosts for shelves and natural and electric lighting as well as guiding axes throughout the project.
Secondary walls and stand-alone bookcases react to primary walls, forming spaces and introducing new light sources accordingly.
The library is constructed of cross laminated timber to contrast its heavy concrete and masonry surroundings and bring monutmentality while addressing environmental Library
This project roots itself on three primary walls which extend past both sidewalk and street, encouraging passerbys to walk through the project and engage in the community.
Stauntonconcerns.Public
3.2.1. 5.4. 6. 7 8. 9.
2. 2. 1. Study Pods 2. Reading Room 3. Offices 4. Computer Center 2. 11. 13.12.10. 8. Cafe 9. 10.BathroomsChildren’s Room 5. Digital Media Room 6. Workshop 7. Loading Dock/Storage 11. Community Classroom 12. Mechanical 13. Recording Booth
Secondary walls are constructed with columns, sandwiched by narrow windows and wood panels. Windows placed at the end of each plane continue to the coping act as a buffer between the two walls types.
Model studies presented questions of wall to floor relationships as well as multifloor visuals.
Columns set in the middle of primary walls provide structure for book shelves and glass inserts between rooms.
Shelves are conected to columns and walls with dowels. Walls split into two when material thickness is not needed.
Primary wall bookshelves open spaces visually to maintain connection between different rooms and floors. This allows conversation amongst varying programs while controlling fluctuating noise levels.
Above the study pods, a frosted glass drop ceiling negotiates the second and third floor height difference and brings diffused lighting in from the south elevation.
Lighting is embeded into all bookcases, bringing attention back to learning while creating an axis to guide visitors’ paths. This helps to further define compartmentalized areas without sacrificing the need for private reading spaces.
Abbie Welton - Virginia Tech 2024