#Library hunter series#

In addition to this project, Steven Holl Architects has completed several other buildings recently, including an extension to the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and Maggie's cancer centre in London. Hunter's Point Library forms part of a major redevelopment of the waterfront in Queens, following the completion of Hunter's Point Park by firms SWA/Balsley and Weiss/Manfredi last year. Brooklyn's libraries function independently as well. This library, like all public libraries in Queens, has a separate operating system from the New York Public Library (NYPL), which functions in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Photograph courtesy of Steven Holl Architects The library is complete with a plaza and a garden with ginkgo trees planted next to a detached volume, which accommodates a park station.

Rounding out the library are back-off-house areas, mechanical rooms, and several restrooms across the floors. Bamboo clad walls, ceilings and shelves offer a warm, natural touch that contrasts with the silvery exterior. Much of the reading rooms and areas of Hunter's Point Library are designed as open spaces with ample natural light.

A terrace accessed from the eatery has steps to a rooftop patio, located above the fifth floor. On the fourth level are a cafe and a reading area for teens. Staff offices, a lounge and a technology centre are placed above. Related story Steven Holl tops subterranean extension to Kennedy Center with trio of geometric pavilionsĪ quiet room and more reading areas are located on the first floor. 'While the plan is compact, the building section of the new library is open and flowing to allow for the most energy-efficient design and the greatest amount of public green space on the site,' the firm said.Ī mezzanine above the ground floor contains an adult reading section and a children's area, and the level above it contains reading collections that are divided in half across the floor, for adults and children as well. The stairs switch back from one mezzanine to the other, across the different levels and connect all of the spaces. The stairwell is designed as open and draws the eye upwards, past thousands of colourful books that are visible across several floors. A linear staircase scales the project, and is positioned next to the window that frames Manhattan. A small sitting area, restrooms and an auditorium with a stage are also located on the main level. Upon entering is a lobby with an information desk that also works for book returns. 'The vertical structure reimagines the traditional library model, providing diversity of spaces from intimate reading areas to active gathering spaces,' said Steven Holl Architects.

#Library hunter series#

Inside, floors contain a series of different reading rooms and spaces tailored to adults, children and teenagers.

Hunters Point Library spans 22,000 square feet (2,044 square metres) and is complete with a rooftop patio and a public park. 'Sculpted cuts are carved out of the facade, showing the movement of people within and framing expansive views of the Manhattan skyline,' the firm said.