Designed to accomodate up to 40,000 visitors per month, this new 120,000-volume library for the the City of Phoenix is located adjacent to an existing lake in a public park. A large roof shades floor-to-ceiling glass from the harsh summer sun and collects rainwater (stored in the existing lake) to be reused for irrigation, while earth berms surrounding the library, provide thermal mass and quietly integrate it into the park-scape. The Children's Area has an overhead sculptural "kite" which lowers the ceiling plane to a child-appropriate scale, and features an interactive display wall for kids ages 0-3, 9 dedicated computer stations, a "homework help" area with tables and chairs, and secluded story room........
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