CABQ International District Library

CABQ International District Library

CABQ International District Library​ 

RMKM Architecture

PROJECT ARCHITECT
Antoni Baca

DESIGN PRINCIPAL
Mark Rohde

CONSULTING COMPANY
High Mesa Consulting

MANUFACTURERS
Autex, 9 Wood, Conweb Design Scape, Interstate Brick, Tubelite

PROJECT CONSULTANTS
Greame Means | High Mesa Consulting

ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
Nm Building Envelope Architects

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Surroundings Studio

ENGINEERING CONSULTANT
Joseph Hughes | Nm Building Envelope Architects

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Faith Okuma | Surroundings Studio

LLC
Rme Abq, Jim Krieis | Rme Abq

PLUMBING ENGINEER
Scott Surdahl | Bridgers & Paxton

MECHANICAL ENGINEER
Abbas Shirian | Bridgers & Paxton

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Oscar Urias | Bridgers & Paxton

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING ENGINEER
Bridgers & Paxton

PHOTOGRAPHS
Patrick Coulie

AREA
25000 FT²

YEAR
2022

LOCATION
Albuquerque, United States

CATEGORY
Library, Public Architecture, Community

CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie

The new library establishes an urban destination and “place to be.” Providing a “living room for all,” the building is sited to reinforce historic Route 66 and capture dramatic mountain views.

CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library

The site’s context is the International District neighborhood in southeast Albuquerque, New Mexico, centered on Central Avenue (the historic alignment of U.S Route. 66).

The low-income, underserved community surrounding the site is a mix of residential and light commercial uses and is one of the city’s most ethnically diverse districts.

CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie

The site’s Route 66 context clings to its historic “billboard charm”; roadside motels, pawn shops, auto garages, storage facilities, and vacant buildings line Central Avenue and side streets near the site; bright spots close by include international restaurants, specialty grocery stores, shops and cafes, the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, and the termination of the new Albuquerque Rapid Transit system.

Public workshops and design charrettes with a community representing 27 languages determined unique goals and needs; all have informed the design.

CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie

A light-filled central volume organizes program functions facilitating clear wayfinding and staff visibility.

Conventional library functions are enhanced by the library system’s computer technology center, community room, memorial reading room, young adult, children’s activity center, fireplace lounge, and outdoor story/events plaza.

CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie

Access flooring accommodates HVAC, power, and technology and provides efficient environmental comfort, easy access to systems, and long-term flexibility.

North-facing clerestory windows provide glare-free natural light and sky views 12 months per year.

CABQ International District Library
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie

The south face of a sawtooth roof is optimally angled for PV panels, with enough collection surface to offset electrical energy costs.

An iconic brick sign pylon participates in the historic Route 66 fabric promoting “place maker” status.

CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie

Brick piers, abundant windows, a brise soleil facia, and the sawtooth roof establish a fitting but memorable architectural language.

This new Public Library is envisioned to be transformational; enhancing the rich and vibrant narrative of the city’s international district with a brand-new neighborhood living room for all ages.

CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie


CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie

CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
© Patrick Coulie
CABQ International District Library
CABQ International District Library


CABQ International District Library
Site Plan
CABQ International District Library
Plan


CABQ International District Library
Section to the West
CABQ International District Library
Section to the North


CABQ International District Library
North Elevation
CABQ International District Library
East Elevation
CABQ International District Library
South Elevation
CABQ International District Library
West Elevation