SYNOPSIS

The renovation and expansion of this 1970s concrete library has transformed it into a 21st century civic place: from book repository to multimedia community hub.

The existing library, built in 1974, was uninviting due to poor thermal performance, lack of daylighting and openness. The expansion diagram is simple: a continuous community reading room wraps the original library on all sides, emphasizing places of spontaneous gathering, reflection and learning. The striking terra cotta façade also provides a high-performance thermal envelope engineered to harvest daylight and reduce energy usage. Openings at each corner reveal the library’s unique public amenities, including children’s cubbies, teen gaming zones, meeting spaces and a coffee bar. A community access recording studio supports Lawrence’s vibrant music culture, while an outdoor plaza accommodates a rich variety of library and community functions. Within a few months of reopening, user visits increased 55%, with youth program attendance up 160%.

SUSTAINABILITY

LEED Gold Certified.

Project will meet the 2030 Challenge with nearly 60% reduction in energy use over comparable building types in this region.

OWNER

City of Lawrence, Kansas

SIZE

20,000 sf addition; 50,000 sf renovation