Title: Richland Library St. Andrews
Location of Proejct: Columbia, South Carolina
Project Completion Date: 9/7/2017
Firm Name: Liollio Architecture

Short Description: The library embodies the learn.create.share. mission of the organization and brings green space as a beacon to an underserved community. A renovation and modest addition transformed the previous library – an old grocery store – flipping the site to move parking to the back and create an accessible garden space at the urban edge. A rainwater collection system with underground system provides irrigation for the site. Transparency connects indoor spaces to each other and the garden and provides views into the library to reveal activity within. Vibrant colors are inspired by the creative energy of the community.

Architect's Statement: One of the larger locations in the system, this library serves a diverse community with a high level of creative energy. The library already had strong programs in guitar club, poetry writing and performance, gardening, and more.

The existing library was very inwardly focused, and lacked sufficient meeting and collaboration space and technology access. Workforce development through a career advancement studio, as well as teen engagement, were primary program goals. The community wanted to make the library a physical beacon within the blighted commercial corridor. The area lacks accessible green space, and they saw the project as an opportunity to catalyze change.

The design solution balances outdoor program space with a modest 2,200 sf addition for meeting and collaboration spaces – as well as better connection to the outside and natural light. The renovation to the existing building’s structure and envelope was kept minimal, in order to invest resources in the outdoor space and transformation of interior spaces. The small addition is strategically located to maximize a facelift of the branch and embrace connections to the landscape and visibility.

Outdoor spaces were designed to support community garden beds and perennial planting beds, turf areas for outdoor programs, a wall to project movies on, an event terrace connected to the large meeting room, and the ability to host a food truck rodeo. A 1% for public art program enabled a site-specific sculpture called “The Bandshell” which provides a stage backdrop for activities, a visual beacon embracing the colorful nature of the library, and is also wired with a Bluetooth sound system that allows patrons to upload their own content – music, spoken word poetry, and more – for performance and sharing. Bringing the green space to the front of the library provides a visible beacon within the community, a connection to the suburban edge, and invites passers-by into the library.

The open interior design provides spaces that can adapt to meet the needs of the vibrant community. Technology access is woven throughout, and activity-based program is supported by flexible multi-faceted spaces. The design reflects an edgier start-up culture, pursuing big impact with simple, low-cost materials such as OSB. Swaths of bright colors organize the large open interior. Cozier places for teens, maker space, and children’s story time are tucked along the back, while more open spaces for collaboration, gathering, technology, and browsing take advantage of the natural light and connection to the garden space at the front.

The staff area is organized around collaborative work environments – touchdown stations rather than assigned desks - supported by privacy nooks and socializing areas for break time.

This collaborative and multi-use library will evolve and grow organically with this community over time.