DESIGNWORKS 2021

Durham County Public Library

Durham, NC

Vines Architecture

DCML library explores three primary ideas – reconnect an isolated building to the city fabric, an adaptable design for repurposing an existing building, and the ‘intertwining’ of the ideas of the contemporary library into the framework of an existing institution. Originally intended to be a 4th level maker lab addition, it quickly turned into a renovation/addition to create flexible zones rather than a discreet room or floor. The S.T.E.A.M. program was gathered into a contiguous, open zone that weaves between both inside and out and vertically to define the primary circulation, becoming the heartbeat on all levels of the building for the collaborative, technology-rich ‘people spaces’ of the contemporary library.

The new interior emphasizes permeability as a means to more fully engage with the city and to foster greater visibility and wayfinding. The emphasis on exterior to interior continuity informed the materials for the interior including wood tones, warm greys and whites creating restraint in moments of transition. With the intent to put the people and programs on display; texture, color and play with transparency were used to highlight activated zones and aid in informing patrons of moments of noise, play, technology and learning without needing to detach them from the rest of the building experience. The remaining waffle slab peeks out of carved moments of movement to remind us of what once was and perforated metal bookcases create a skeletal shadow play on the books adding to the overall layering and display of the renovation and program.