Brooklyn Public Library Activating Exteriors

a civic design project commissioned by the Brooklyn Public Library creating vibrant exterior spaces that strengthen the connection between communities and their branch libraries

2024 AIA New York State design award for unbuilt work

location
Brooklyn, NY
status
Completed, 2024
client
Brooklyn Public Library
team

Annie Barrett
Adriel Mesznik
Clara Syme
Adam Thompson
You Wu
Protik Choudhury
Justin Difabritis

Structural
Silman
Engagement
Grain Collective
Graphics
Other Means
Lighting
DGA Lighting
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The Brooklyn Public Library commissioned this ambitious project to transform unutilized library exteriors to become active, vibrant, welcoming public spaces for library patrons and the greater public.

Close-up view of the Brooklyn Public Library sign framed by blue beams and a translucent awning.
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Activating Exteriors was recognized with a 2024 AIA New York State design award for unbuilt work.

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Today, in neighborhoods across Brooklyn, fences and other security features draw a hard line in front of branch library buildings.

A graphic depicting the evolution of a library concept from "present" with a fench to "future" with no fence.
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These boundaries obstruct libraries’ essential connections to local communities, creating a gap where there should be a connection.

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By taking down fences and providing targeted interventions at each branch location, we proposed transforming the spaces outside libraries...

Isometric architectural drawing of a classical building with blue shaded areas for new interventions.
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...to become welcome, inviting spaces that allow libraries to extend their hours and programming to better serve their neighborhoods.

A digital rendering shows a red brick building with a central entrance and steps. A large tree is in front. People are walking, biking, and using a stroller on the sidewalk. A blue outdoor structure with and arched canopy occupies the street in front of the sidewalk, with large lettering spelling '-OKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY' cropped just out of frame. A blue flag and flagpole flies above
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Our team analyzed the borough-wide network of library buildings to develop a design framework that will inform the transformation of these 60+ buildings over time, creating a network of new public spaces in the city.

A map of Brooklyn showing all branch library locations.
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Through meetings with branch staff, we built an understanding of the challenges and aspirations at stake for these unstewarded spaces...

A collage-style image presenting a project overview, divided into three sections: "engagement," "project principles," and "design framework: alphabet of activation."
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...which informed the development of an adaptable design framework to re-imagine Brooklyn Public Library’s exterior spaces.

Grid of 18 images showing different pages of a spiral-bound book, with hands turning some of the pages.
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To guide implementation of the framework, we designed the “Alphabet of Activation,” a matrix of adaptable small-scale design strategies.

A diagram showing elements of the "Alphabet of Activation" in blue.
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Like letters of an alphabet forming words individual strategies take on greater meaning as they are curated together at each site to produce locally-specific spaces.

Isometric drawing of a branch library building with blue tiles, benches, flag, planters and figures.
Isometric drawing of a branch library building with blue benches, flag, planters and figures.
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At the Spring Creek branch in East New York, simple changes within a limited area of work transform an inhospitable entrance into a welcoming micro-plaza...

Architectural rendering of a library with a bright blue tiled facade, a green roof, planters, people walking in front, and a blue flag.
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...and at the Bensonhurst branch, a tactical approach maximizes design impact within a tight budget while improving a busy bus stop.

Architectural rendering of a two-story library building with a blue flag, people walking on the sidewalk, and cars parked along the street.
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Our study addressed needs across scales: from design standards, to design of three prototype sites, to roadway readeries and street furniture at several branches.

A horizontal image depicting a timeline of a project, divided into three sections labeled "a", "b", and "c", with a curved arrow indicating progression from "planning" to "implementation".

1 taken by Mary Kang