DAVIS COUNTY LIBRARY CLEARFIELD BRANCH

Clearfield, Utah

Inspired by the role that aviation and technology have played in Clearfield city’s formative history, the new Clearfield Branch was postured to serve as a new technology hub with enhanced resources forpatronsacrosstheDavisCountyLibrarysystem.

The design of the new Clearfield branch was an exhilarating challenge which required the balance of modernity with tradition in both form and program. For the branch to serve as a model for new technological resources, the library staff prioritized square footage for new computer and equipment for patron’s to use as alternative means of learning while retiring a sizable number of volumes in its physical collection in favor of new digital collections. The design also considered potential flexibility for further similar collection adjustments in the future.

The clients and community also wanted to have a design solution that signaled this shift in focus while preserving the high level of comfort and care in patron experience which has been a hallmark of Davis County Library’s service model.

We worked very closely with a large group of stake holders from Davis County’s facilities department, library staff & board members, and Clearfield city staff & elected officials to deliver a design that would support the long-term vision and service to the community while paying homage to the city’s past.

Team Members: Michael Sommer ajc architects

Cost: $4.7 M

Completed: 2021

Size: 13,890 SF

Thedesignincorporatedformalreferencestoinvertedairfoilsandgyroscopesasdevicestohelpshapeacousticalandlighting performancecharacteristicsthroughoutthebranchwhilenoddingtoaviationtechnologyinherentwithinClearfield’shistory.

Exteriorviewofthe branch’smainstreet frontagefromthe newentryplazaatthe intersectionofMain andCenterStreets. Specialcarewastaken inthedesigntoengage thepublicsideofthe buildingtosupport theintentofClearfield city’snewlyadopted form-basedcode.

Viewofdouble-height studyareasoffering expansiveviewstothe Wasatchmountains andanabundanceof naturaldaylightfor patronsandstaff.

Detailviewofthe grandstairwithits tensionedvertical cablerailingand integratedperiodical displaytomaximize thebranch’sefficient footprint.