Hilltop Branch Library
Hilltop Branch Library
Awards Category : : Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
Renovation and expansion of a public library in an economically disadvantaged community.
The Hilltop community in west Columbus, OH is an economically disadvantaged, primarily minority-populated neighborhood. The Columbus Metropolitan Library system is in the midst of a program to improve and modernize their facilities.
Serving over 65,000 residents, the Hilltop Branch Library project is an extensive renovation and expansion of the existing quasi-colonial, stick-framed structure.
The new facility offers a more open, inviting and modern face for the library system in this neighborhood.
A key mission in supporting the community includes accommodating a significant population of school age children between the end of the school day and the time their parents arrive home from work, therefore significant space is given to children’s resources including a quiet study area, a homework assistance lab and dedicated children’s (K-12-year-old) library space.
Date of Completion: November 2021
Client: Columbus Metropolitan Library
General Contractor: Turner Construction Company
Consultants:
Civil Engineer: Kabil Associates
614/899-6707
Landscape Architect GPD Group
614/210-0751
Technology: Dynamix Engineering Ltd.
614/433-1178
Structural Engineering Kabil Associates
614/899-6707
Photography Credits:
1 - View of north façade. Photo by Lauren K Davis/Feinknopf Photography
2 - The Hilltop neighborhood is west of downtown Columbus. With a population of over 65,000, the neighborhood has experienced significant growth in recent years, yet remains a generally economically disadvantaged area. Images by Project Team.
3 - Views of existing library prior to renovation. The building consists of wood trusses bearing on masonry perimeter walls. The cupola and exterior materials suggest a vaguely colonial character. Though the central interior volume is high, there are few windows resulting in very limited daylighting. Photos by Project Team.
4 - The central roof trusses were replaced with a conventional flat roof which allowed for rooftop equipment to be screened. (See sections above.) All perimeter roof structure was retained, and new structure mimics this form to create an asymmetrical hipped roof form floating above a varied vertical façade. Three light monitors were added to let daylight into the central space. The flat acoustical ceilings around the perimeter zones were replaced with a series of gently sloped and elevated ceiling forms. Images by Project Team.
5 - The addition offers a primarily glass façade mixed with playful geometry and integrated art in order to appeal to younger users and to generally present a more modern, open and inviting façade to the neighborhood. Photo by Lauren K Davis/Feinknopf Photography
6 - The entry is reconfigured to allow improved openness and weather protection. A curvilinear wood form marks the entry. Despite the expansion of building footprint, the new site plan actually contains less impervious area than the previous plan allowing more opportunity for plants and stormwater management. Photo by Lauren K Davis/Feinknopf Photography
7 - The new central lobby and main circulation desk provides a brighter, cleaner and more durable experience. The configuration also allows librarians to monitor the entire facility from a central location. Photo by Lauren K Davis/Feinknopf Photography
8 - Views of light monitors. North-facing light monitors utilize playful forms to brighten the interiors and provide an “expansive” sense of space. Each raised ceiling area is unique resulting in a more defined series of spaces for the interior, as opposed to a single warehouse-like volume. Photo by Lauren K Davis/Feinknopf Photography
9 - View of children’s library interior. The children’s library area is a distinct, glass enclosed space directly adjacent to the main lobby desk. The playful perimeter structure offers added depth providing added seating for small children. Photo by Lauren K Davis/Feinknopf Photography
10 - View of circular seating alcove in children’s library area. Photo by Lauren K Davis/Feinknopf Photography