Temecula Public Library
A light-suffused library serves as a community's emblematic lantern.
Photo © Costea Photography, Inc
Photo © Costea Photography, Inc
Photo © Costea Photography, Inc
Image courtesy LPA, Inc
Image courtesy LPA, Inc
The City of Temecula commissioned LPA to design a new library for its expanding community to create “a place to learn; a place to explore; a place to discover old traditions and new opportunities.”
The learning process for patrons begins in the library’s parking lot. After parking their cars, patrons walk along paths embellished with artwork and signage that depict a chronological timeline of the community’s history, while leading to the library entrance.
The 33,000-square-foot stone and concrete library, situated along a narrow site atop a hillside, was designed with a plenitude of windows to create an interior filled with natural light. In the evening, the illuminated windows serve as a metaphor for the “light of knowledge,” an emblem as a community lantern upon the hillside.
Patrons walk along a linear spine that connects the one-story building’s public spaces. The spine terminates at a heritage room, which houses a local history collection, and a meeting and lounge space.
To host its most exuberant and numerous visitors, children, the library features a room that embodies a local tradition: hot air balloons. The walls in the children’s area are rounded to emulate the shape and texture of a basket and hot air balloon, while bright colors further allude to the design of these flying vessels.
PeopleOwner: The City of Temecula Architect: Personnel in architect's firm who should receive special credit: Project architect: Craig Whitridge, Registered Architect Building designer: Rick D’Amato, Registered Architect Interior designer: Chris Lentz, CID Landscape designer: Tim McCormack Engineer(s): Mechanical Engineer: Tsuchiyama Kaino Sun & Carter, Irvine, California Electrical Engineer: Konsortum 1, Santa Ana, California Consultant(s): Lighting: Konsortum 1, Santa Ana, California Acoustical: Purcell + Noppe, Chatsworth, California General contractor: Photographer(s): CAD system, project management, or other software used: AutoCAD
|
ProductsExterior cladding: Interior finishes: Furnishings: Chairs: Brodart (Study Chairs), Herman Miller (Computer and Staff Chairs), The Midlands Tables: Brodart Other furniture (use additional sheet if necessary): Shelving and Stack Lighting- Montel/Aetnestak thru Yamada Enterprises Lighting: Wagon Wheel Fixture: Custom by Art Manufacturers 2' x 2' Direct / Indirect: Focal Point "Luna" Add any additional building components or special equipment that made a significant contribution to this project:
|
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
