Mid-Continent Public Libraries, Colbern Road Branch
MID-CONTINENT PUBLIC LIBRARIES, COLBERN ROAD BRANCH
Helix Architecture + Design
SIZE
25,000 Sqft - 100,000 Sqft
YEAR
2021
LOCATION
Lee's Summit, MO, United States
TYPE
Educational › Library
After completing a strategic analysis of the entire library system, Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) identified a number of ways in which it could offer its patron a more robust and modern experience.
A key component of this was evolving the traditional idea of a public library and creating a coworking destination that will be a hub for entrepreneurs and small business.
The Colbern Road Library Center serves as the headquarters for MCPL’s SquareOne Small Business Division, providing free services to support start-ups, cultivate economic empowerment, and offer bootcamps and educational courses to grow businesses.
The design of the modern library grabs the attention of passersby thanks to its dynamic scrim wall and prominent location on a major thoroughfare in Lee’s Summit.
The building itself represents an idea to be shared, with the geometric scrim wall mimicking the unfolding of a paper airplane. The paper airplane motif is carried through the interior details.
A colorful trail of paper airplanes will serve as a core wayfinding element, guiding patrons to key areas within the library and creating opportunities for spontaneous connection.
As a hybrid library and workplace, progressive tenets of workplace design are incorporated in the interiors. Patrons have the option to work where and how they prefer, including at a coffee shop which has become a casual meeting and work environment.
Even children and youth participate in the coworking dynamic.
The kids space offers an area to work together, as well as a storytime destination.
Essential library functions still remain at the Colbern Road Library Center.
It can accommodate an automated material handling book drop system to assist in the branch-wide circulation of materials.
The Colbern Road Library Center was designed in collaboration with SAPP and Helix who worked closely with Construction Manager, JE Dunn Construction.