Free to All. The Boston Public Library system houses over a dozen branches throughout the city, but notably, Chinatown lacks a permanent library space. My project proposes a dual library and museum space that welcomes all members of the Chinatown community: readers, artists, families, and beyond.
Project Axon
My library proposal originated as a continued exploration of the ambiguity between circulation space and event space, an idea previously studied in my Chinatown Pavilion design. From that project, I adopted the idea of a central circulation space that also served a programmatic purpose: in this case, the central circulation spine of my library also contains the stacks and an art gallery space. Event spaces protrude from each side of the spine and are grouped together my programmatic function, allowing for ease of circulation through and within the spine.
Program Diagram: the central spine houses stacks and circulation, while all other programmatic functions are in the protruding volumes
Since the spine and the volumes serve very different functional purposes, I emphasized this juxtaposition in a variety of ways. First, I created a contrast in scale. The central spine is two stories taller with clerestory windows that bring enough light into the space to serve the art gallery without harming the stacks. The volumes, on the other hand, are only two stories tall. Second, I created a difference in height. The central spine is mostly open to below, meaning that the space is experienced as its full four stories. However, the protruding volumes are experienced as one story tall spaces. Finally, I designed a contrast in materiality. The spine is a rough concrete on both the interior and exterior while the volumes are entirely glass.
Transverse Section: conveys the contrast in scale, height, and materiality
Longitudinal Section: provides a glimpse into the atrium condition of the spine and how art might occupy the walls
Atrium Perspective: a view into the spine / art gallery with glimpses into the glass volumes beyond
Finally, in order to make the spine feel less monolithic, I carved out public spaces from either end. At the entry, the auditorium above informs the slope and welcomes passersby onto the site. I mirrored this sloping condition on the other side and created a covered outdoor space meant for impromptu music performances or art installations.
Entry Perspective: a view of the sloped entry condition created by the auditorium above
Night Perspective: visitors gather in the covered outdoor space with a glimpse into the illuminated glass volumes behind
First Floor Plan
Second Floor
Third Floor