Pico Branch Library

PICO BRANCH LIBRARY

Koning Eizenberg Architecture

Pico Branch Library
Courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier

ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANT
Veneklasen Associates

MANUFACTURERS
Pyrok, Interface, Carpet, Custom Steel & Glass Glazing Assembly Glazer, Custom Steel & Glass Glazing Assembly Steel, Single Ply Thermoplastic Roofing, Steel Fabrication/installer, Wood Framer

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Julie Eizenberg, Faia

LIGHTING DESIGNER
Lighting Design Alliance

CIVIL ENGINEER
Kpff

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Thornton Tomasetti

LEED
Brightworks

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Rc Construction Services Inc

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Spurlock Poirier

ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS
Newsom Design

MEP ENGINEER
Glumac

PROJECT DESIGNER
Nathan Bishop

SURVEYOR
Jmc-2

AREA
8700 ft²

YEAR
2014

LOCATION
Santa Monica, United States

CATEGORY
Library

Pico Branch Library
Courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier

Text description provided by architect.

Conceived as a community living room, this branch library engages its park setting to encourage the use of an educational resource in a minority neighborhood.

The project was developed with the community in a series of public design workshops which resulted in an inclusive design approach and interactive service strategies that attract families normally reticent to use institutional resources.

Pico Branch Library
Courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier
Pico Branch Library
Courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier

The library’s siting preserves existing green space while repurposing underutilized space to activate the park's event plaza. On Saturdays the front door opens to the edge of the local Farmers Market, creating a resonance around which librarians have developed programs about food and health.

The building jumps a fire lane to the west to find space for a community room and amphitheater, further engaging existing buildings that offer programs for teens, children, job seekers and seniors.

A photovoltaic canopy spans the fire lane, offsetting carbon footprint while enhancing walkability.

Pico Branch Library
Courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier
Pico Branch Library
Courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier

Indoor/outdoor connectivity is achieved through daylight harvesting and passive shading, an integrated design approach which sets architectural identity of the LEED Platinum building.

Rainwater harvesting complements existing park stormwater management systems and provides grey water re-use for flushing, a first for public buildings in LA County.

Skylights and a carved ceiling amplify light, defining a distinctive roof and ceiling shape, while deep overhangs and canopies shade glass from direct sunlight, eliminating the need for indoor window shades.

Pico Branch Library
Courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier
Pico Branch Library
Courtesy of Eric Staudenmaier

Outside, this shading establishes a hovering presence while the photovoltaic canopy and pergola tails add pattern and detail to the design.


Pico Branch Library
Site Plan
Pico Branch Library
Floor Plan


Pico Branch Library
Site Diagram
Pico Branch Library
Diagram