Intermediate Design II
tutor
Prof. Michael Su
Extension of the Woodstock Library, Bronx, as an audio-visual educational center with the consideration of calibrating the interface between the extended hours of the New York Public Library for Public Ticketed Access while maintaining the facilities’ operations of educational spaces.
To add civic potential to three of the Carnegie branch libraries of New York Public Library, our studio extended and renovated them with the addition of an audio and visual center, expanding their private educational spaces and public interface. As a vertical extension is inserted into a pre-landmark building, it is important to be considerate of the sensitivity of the existing architecture. The design offers various multi-purpose areas, allowing a mixture of activities supporting both education and entertainment to take place.
The difference in materials and apertures of the facade are determined by the programs adjacent to them. As the hangout spots concentrate on the East, glass and large openings are incorporated while smaller slits are made on the West facade.
Educational spots such as classrooms and personal booths are constructed as pods with bi-folding dividers or small windows at adjacent faces, encouraging social interactions and expanding physical spaces.
The use of curtains not only sets the
perimeter of the used room but also transmits and shades natural light when necessary. Using the atriums, educational areas such as pods, reading, and working areas are regularly brightened throughout the day while streaming-prominent regions are more shaded.
perimeter of the used room but also transmits and shades natural light when necessary. Using the atriums, educational areas such as pods, reading, and working areas are regularly brightened throughout the day while streaming-prominent regions are more shaded.
