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Design Consultant: Marble Fairbanks Architects
Location: Queens
Client Agency: Queens Library
Overview: Located at the juncture of a residential and commercial neighborhood in Queens, this new branch library is designed to welcome the neighborhood and harmonize with its scale while providing controlled natural light for the library’s users. In order to meet the zoning code, much of the building is located below an at-grade plaza, which provides a planted open space for the neighborhood. The public areas of the library are organized on three levels, and include circulation and information services, general adult collection and seating, young adult collection and seating, children’s area, and meeting rooms. Private spaces include a workroom, offices, staff lounge, and support spaces.
Sustainable Features: Daylight, which decreases energy consumption while enhancing productivity and enjoyment, was central to the design concept and enters the library in a variety of creative ways. As the below-grade lower level constitutes over half of the building program—including the main adult reading room—creating a well-lit space underground was of primary concern. A double-height space connects the ground floor to the lower level, inviting daylight from the above-grade windows to illuminate the lower floor. Three strip skylights in the plaza bring more sunlight down to define specific reading areas within the adult room.
Light from different directions can have very different qualities, and requires different treatment to create a pleasant reading environment. The north face of the building has clear glazing, because of the softness and evenness of northern light, while the western glazing is translucent and insulated to protect against the heat, harshness, and glare of western light. Channel glass with embedded fiberglass insulation forms the upper, translucent, insulated west wall; the lower glass wall is screened by a graphic film with narrative text. Sunlight projects the word “search” in relief onto the north curtain wall, varying in scale and legibility as a result of the time of day, weather, and season.
Noteworthy Accolades:
- LEED Certified
- Design Excellence Program
- Public Design Commission of the City of New York in Design Award
- AIA Merit Award
PROJECT TEAM |
Architect |
Marble Fairbanks Architects |
Structural Engineer / LEED Consultant |
Buro Happold |
MEP Engineer |
Plus Group pllc |
Civil / Geotechnical Engineers |
Langan Engineering & Environmental Services |
Landscape Architect |
SCAPE |
Lighting Design |
Richard Shaver Architectural Lighting |
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Material Conservation
Results
 Construction & demolition waste – 75% required to be diverted from landfill
Recycled materials - over 10% target for materials
Local products given preference – target 20% of materials
Strategies
Construction and demolition waste to be sorted at off-site facility
Major materials targeted for recycled content, including fly-ash in concrete,
steel, gypsum board, acoustical tile ceilings, resilient flooring, ceramic tile,
carpet tile, and toilet partitions
Major local materials targeted include masonry, concrete, steel, gypsum
board, pavers, and landscape materials
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Healthy Interiors
Results
Daylight is maximized to more than 75% of rooms, including below-grade
spaces
Optimized fresh air quantities
Building systems and occupants protected from construction contamination
Reduced exposure to toxins, volatile organic compounds, urea formaldehyde
Occupant comfort enhanced
Strategies
Daylight brought into the building through a variety of devices – view
windows, monitors, and skylights. Direct sun diffused by graphic films,
channel glass, and skylight shaping
CO2 monitors control fresh air
Winter humidification included
Permanent monitoring system for temperature and humidity
Air quality management during construction; flush-out planned
Low-emitting paints, carpets, adhesives, sealants, non-urea-formaldehyde
composite woods
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SET TEXT
