Office: Richard Kennedy Architects | ArchDaily

Desert Broom Library / Richard Kennedy Architects

Christopher Henry — Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Borrowing from the symbiotic relationship of a young saguaro cacti and its nurse tree along the arroyos edge, the expansive roof of this branch library creates a shaded microclimate, providing filtered daylight, shelter and a nurturing environment for intellectual growth. This project’s strength is in the integration of the exterior with the interior of the building.

Meinel Optical Sciences Building / Richard Kennedy Architects

Christopher Henry — Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

This project houses state of the art optical research labs, faculty offices, auditoria, conferencing and interaction spaces for this preeminent university research institution whose mission is “The science and application of light”. Occupying a prominent site on the University mall, it is the first of a series of clusters that will replace the existing buildings over time.

Arabian Library / Richard Kennedy Architects

Christopher Henry — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The building is a remembrance of the desert slot canyons of northern Arizona and monument valley, capturing the powerful and unique experience between the compressive stone walls and the ultimate release to the sky above. Ever-patient threads of water, sculpting and polishing the massive walls, cut these natural sandstone canyons over millennia. Harder stone and slow water sharply defines vertical slivers while softer stone gives way to wider crevasse.

Sunrise Mountain Library / Richard Kennedy Architects

Christopher Henry — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The new Sunrise Mountain Library is a replacement for a joint use, public library in a high school that had been in existence for over ten years. The look and feel was institutional, public parking non-existent and the hours insufficient. The community had been very patient and because of this deserved the very best. The City of Peoria wanted a building that surpassed community needs, had a wow-factor in design and at the same time was practical and flexible. The Sunrise Mountain Library is a modern full-service regional library with a 100,000-piece collection. The facility utilizes RFID and self-service technology. Library includes adult, teen and youth reading spaces, common areas and multi-use facilities. This community gathering place is warm, inviting and practical. Inspired by the waves off the nearby Lake Pleasant, the nautical theme is reflected throughout the space with whimsical and functional elements. Materials were carefully chosen for its form, flexibility and functionality.