The design of the Palisades LIbrary, set in a park and surrounded by large existing trees, derived from numerous community meetings, and was enthusiastically embraced for its rustic yet contemporary feeling and for its varied use of contrasting materials. The K-shaped plan provides an organizational structure for the different program elements. Centered around a circulation desk, the reading rooms for adults, young adults and children pinwheel into three wings. A fourth wing contains a multi-purpose room and kitchen.
The interior features cork flooring and exposed glu-lam beams and acoustic wood ceilings. The exterior is partially clad in stone, grounding the library solidly at its base. Multiple patios for outside reading and public gatherings complete the integration with the surrounding park landscape.
| Client: | City of Los Angeles |
| Cost: | $3.9M |
| Area: | 13,000 SF |
2001 Design Excellence in Architecture
City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Commission
