The goal of this project was to design a new library/media center and to reorganize administrative offices for the Elmwood Franklin School. The new library/media center needed to have a visible presence from the main lobby at the center of the school. A new strong curved wall organizes the space and extends from the main entrance doors through the lobby and into the new library/media center defining the new spaces and linking them both functionally and visually.

The focal point of the new library/media center is the reading room with a raised ceiling, glazed clerestory, fireplace and views to the playing field. The surrounding spaces are utilized for computer research as well as bookcases and are intended to be more flexible to respond to the continuous changes in technology. A special children’s area, with a lower ceiling and windows and a small amphitheater reading area, is tucked behind the line of the curve. An outdoor terrace serves as a transition from the library to the field and a row of trees filters morning daylight into the reading room.