Let’s work together on your MPLCP LEVEL OF DESIGN
Library Design Tailored to Your Community
For over 55 years, Finegold Alexander has developed a deep expertise in designing successful public libraries in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Today, we can provide you with key insight and guidance as we progress through the multi-phase grant process: planning and design, then construction — together.
We bring an innovative approach to library design, with experience designing for public, private, and academic libraries. We will establish clear channels of communication with you and your community, balancing budget with design excellence. Let’s demonstrate to the MBLC your community’s readiness and support for a major capital project with a library design that’s just right for you!
How We Can Help You:
RIGHT SIZING YOUR LIBRARY DESIGN
Through the planning and design phase, we help you best set up for a successful design review under the MPLCP Level of Design guidelines to receive funding approval to the construction phase.
PLANNING WITH ELIGIBLE PROGRAMMING
We work together with you to figure out which eligible costs you want to implement, such as land acquisition, design and engineering services, project management, and more.
ACCESSIBILITY & EASE OF USE
Finegold Alexander’s future-forward library facilities address the full range of library services and evolving trends. Libraries play an important role in ensuring that everyone has access to information. We can design your facility to be welcoming, universally accessible, secure, logically organized, and easy to use from a patron’s point of view.
TRANSFORMATION
Whether new construction or renovation, our designs engage, accommodate and delight library users of all ages!
LIBRARY PLANNING STRATEGIES 4
Library Design is Continually Evolving
Finegold Alexander knows that libraries and how they are used by the public has changed in the past decade, which is reflected in many more community-driven opportunities. Every year we meet with library directors, librarians, thought leaders, and vendors to check in, talk, and listen as well. Librarians are seeing the rise of AI-powered research tools, digital equity initiatives, and lending programs for technology. Our library designs are constantly evolving as well, to meet your ever-changing needs.
Strategies for Library Planning:
1. FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
Whether new construction or renovation, library design can model ways for patrons to reduce energy consumption.
2. EMBRACE LAYOUT FLEXIBILITY
With new and varied configurations of all furnishings and adaptability of dedicated spaces, flexibility is the key ingredient of a successful library.
3. USE TECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR LEARNING
Supporting multiple ways for individuals to engage with their libraries, technology can also impact space utilization.
4. CREATE COMMUNITY SPACES
Public libraries serve as the heart of their communities now more than ever, with public meeting spaces, study rooms, and innovative activities geared to community outreach.
CHRISTA MCAULIFFE BRANCH LIBRARY | FRAMINGHAM, MA
FINEGOLD
www.faainc.com
617-227-9272
Ellen Anselone Principal eka@faainc.com
Your Sustainable Design Partners
Finegold Alexander is committed to creating high performance, sustainable and resilient design. We regularly work with our library clients and project teams to evaluate a range of options and approaches. We focus our attention on first-cost capital investment and projections for cost savings to achieve the highest level of sustainable design with the available budget.
Tony Hsiao Principal th@faainc.com
A FIRM-WIDE COMMITMENT
Our decades-long commitment to sustainable and low-carbon design is reflected in FA ENERGY — a new division that has been developed to help institutions both large and small meet their commitments toward a carbon-free future at all scales. Over 40% of our staff are LEED Accredited Professionals, with ongoing training in sustainable design.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Josephine Penta Senior Associate jpenta@faainc.com
As part of our project management, sustainability reviews are integrated with quality assurance at key phases of the project design and development.
