National City Library

Vision

Our vision for the National City Public Library started with a site planning exercise. We aimed to give the city an iconic piece of architecture that could proudly represent the city and create a welcoming place for learning and community building. The building’s shape and use of the materials are a response to the library’s location and environmental conditions. Stone walls with punctured openings react to the boulevard, providing a sense of civic identity, and minimizing harsh sunlight from the south, while allowing glimpses into the library.

The ellipse is composed of two pieces; the inner glass ellipse allows the library user to read amid the tranquil green setting of the park, and bathe the main reading room in northern daylight. An outer zinc ellipse shrouds the glass form and cleverly screens the roof mounted equipment. The library’s entrance is marked by a large stone wall, etched with quotes reflective of the library’s mission.

Library activities center around the media and browsing area, with the main collection at the east and the children’s library to the west. Patrons transcend a circular stair to see artifacts from the past in the local history room, or to access computer labs and learning programs.

Project Meta

Client

National City

Completion

2005

Size

49,500 SF

Markets

Library; Community Center

Project Types

Civic

Services

Architecture, Interiors, Planning

Project Gallery

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