This is actually a bit off the beaten path, but every so often, a library design just "pops" for me. While in Happy Valley Oregon, a suburb of Portland, the local library was embedded within an integrated holistic indoor/outdoor design with both wild and public park spaces. Trails, playgrounds and public spaces intersect with the library nested in the center. Brain research continues to tout the positive effect of nature to our cognitive and physical health, so it is great to see a library that connects the indoor and outdoor environment so seamlessly. Unfortunately, I was shy about getting indoor photos, although, the indoor space was less innovative than the outdoor.
Photo of library taken from the edge of the community park space with playground and public areas. A traffic roundabout unseen to the right even becomes its own sort of park as well as slowing the flow of traffic.
The library seen from another angle. For a building that was retrofitted following another use, this library really is exceptional.
A little laser cut steel and powder coating makes for fun, interactive outdoor artworks.
A roundabout at the intersection near the library slows traffic and creates an additional park space directly across from the library. The boulders and small trees invite one to sit down. This is something that would be unheard of near a traditional intersection.
Playful, laser cut Picasso-like artworks at bus stop across from the library. The tall trees in the background edge a ravine with an improved walking trail that bisects the area.
Playful artworks integrated into the space.
The library overlooks a swath of wild land watered by library roof runoff . The space gives the illusion of a library set in the wild to those sitting near the windows. The cognitive benefits on the brain and body of a place set in nature make any library experience more enjoyable.
In wet times, this wetland catches rainwater from the library roof and becomes a thriving ecosystem complete with floating log for birds, frogs and turtles. I am imagining this since I was there during the dry summer. In addition to keeping the area's significant rainfall from overwhelming the sewer system, it becomes a vibrant complement to the physical and cognitive health of the library user.
In dry climates, a similar design is used to direct scarce rainwater to plantings around the building and hold the water long enough for it to soak in. A great design feature for every library. To maximize a resource that is often taken for granted and create natural spaces that maximize human health and happiness.