This 10,500-square-foot library, which occupies the bottom two floors of a residential highrise development in Battery Park City, was commissioned to meet the needs of a new and rapidly growing community. As a new branch without an ingrained pattern of community use, it was critical for the design to establish a presence that would attract visitors. Open, bright spaces create a welcoming environment for the public, while the design of book and periodical displays, information desks, and furniture facilitates the most efficient circulation. The folded planes of the ceiling guide the visitor`s eye through the library and acts as a physical and visual unifier for the entire space. The most eco-friendly of the New York Public Library branches, the project utilizes numerous sustainable design strategies and is LEED Gold certified.
