Title: Richland Library Edgewood
Location of Proejct: Columbia, South Carolina
Project Completion Date: December 2018
Firm Name: Studio 2LR, Inc.

Short Description: Richland Library Edgewood branch is a new location for Richland Library, and serves as the first public library for the Edgewood neighborhood in more than 40 years since the Waverly branch on Gervais Street closed in 1971. Since then, the historic downtown neighborhood has long desired a safe gathering place for children and adults after school and in the summertime. Richland Library Edgewood branch provides much needed resources to the residents who live in Edgewood, Celia Saxon, Waverly, and other nearby neighborhoods.

Architect's Statement: The project re-utilized and transformed an existing single-story 7,350 SF former Dollar General store into a vibrant community library. The existing pre-engineered steel frame, floor slab, and roof system were preserved, while the existing brick veneer was painted and partially covered with composite wood panels. New openings were created on the exterior skin to bring in natural light while interior finishes and furnishings were selected for durability and sustainability.

The surrounding street context is defined by one and two-story single-family patio homes featuring covered front porches, small yards, and an overall intimate scale. Sidewalks line the streets, providing a safe pedestrian access to the site. A large open green space is located across Oak Street to the east, while an existing parking lot anchors the north side of the site.

The previous main entry was reoriented from the North end to the East side of the building to engage pedestrian traffic along Oak Street. A large covered porch was created at the south end of the building along Elmwood Avenue to provide sun shade and rain cover at the outdoor porch, while also responding to the existing context of patio home porches. A fenced-in outdoor area is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for outdoor activities for library customers.

The floor plan is organized along a central spine corridor, with color coded floor graphics serving as a visual guide from the lobby. A large multi-purpose room flanks the main entrance lobby and opens onto the covered porch. The children’s area is located adjacent to the maker space and also has direct access to the outdoor activity area. Staff areas are situated along the rear of the building and open onto the main circulation areas. A business center and computer area are centrally located and provide internet access and much needed technology resources for the community.

The existing building was re-imagined to reflect the history and values of the surrounding community. Quilting has played a significant cultural and historic role in the Edgewood community and served as inspiration for transforming the existing façade into a “quilt” of paint colors and composite wood. Along the east facade, custom screen wall designed by a local artist features silhouettes of local community members. In the lobby, another "quilt" wall features images of people and places collected from the community, along with small mirrors to allow residents to see their own reflections woven into the neighborhood fabric. Behind the "quilt" wall, an oral history room provides recording equipment for visitors share their own stories and histories.