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Brookdale Library
The concept for the redesign of the Hennepin County Brookdale Regional Center is to create a visible “Community” Center that expresses its functions of courts, service center, social services and library to Shingle Creek Parkway. A curving two-story high interior “Mainstreet” connects all functions and provides the continuity to the diverse groups including community display space and a coffee shop. The project will be the first major construction project to be built in accordance with the “Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide,” recently adopted by Hennepin County. Sustainable issues in general are of utmost importance, with daylighting in particular of prime concern.
The design of the library expansion to the east features a floor to ceiling curtain wall of blue azure glass. This will allow more transparency and views into the library. Clerestory windows are utilized at Main Street and also at the juncture between the existing building and new higher ceiling in the addition. The clerestory windows define major circulation aisles and allow natural light into the center of the library. An automated conveyor system will deliver books to the work room from the drive-up book drop and circulation desk.
Particular strategies include fritted glass to reduce glare, light shelves to increase light penetration as well as reduce light levels next to windows and prismatic glazing in clerestories to provide diffuse, even light. Zoned photosensors dim electric lights when the daylight contribution yields adequate light levels. The daylighting systems and strategies were evaluated and tested with a large scale physical model in an artificial sky.
“Every single day, someone says they’ve never been to this library before, and then they immediately comment on what an amazing space/beautiful building/incredible library it is. We do feel very fortunate to be working here.” –Ginger Gomes, Youth Services Library, Hennepin County Library – Brookdale. | |
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