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Architects: NBBJ
- Area: 15000 ft²
- Year: 2014
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Photographs:Matt Carbone/Sean Airhart
Text description provided by the architects. The new Driving Park Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library addresses what it means to be a library in the Information Age, while providing an underserved neighborhood with a catalyst for community and positive change.
Libraries are in transition: once a point of knowledge dissemination and quiet introspection, they are becoming places to meet, socialize, study, hang out and plug in. The new Driving Park Branch turns the library inside-out, placing traditional modes of library patronage — like focused reading — at the center of the building, while social, interactive functions are located along the perimeter, where they benefit from natural light and engagement with the street.
Because Driving Park was historically known for racing, the project incorporates a “racetrack” concept to organize the different functions, shape the building envelope, and display books and other media. With a transparent street frontage, public meeting rooms, services for neighborhood youth and technology, the Driving Park Branch is not merely a passive provider of information, but also an active participant in connecting community.
