Civic Design
Location:
Platteville, WI
Platteville, WI
Scope:
Provided master planning and architectural design services for a 22,000 sq. ft. library
Provided master planning and architectural design services for a 22,000 sq. ft. library
Platteville Library Block Development
Platteville, WIhe Platteville Public Library is the cornerstone of the new whole city block development in downtown Platteville. The first floor of the new library is comprised of the Adult Collections, Periodical, and Media Collections. In addition to the collections, the first floor is home to the main circulation desk, copy island, staff workroom, computer pods, study tables, lounge seating, and large group study room. An open stairwell separates the Periodical and Media Collections from the rest of the Adult Collections, and invites you to peek upstairs. The second floor houses the Children’s, Tween, and Teen Collections. The second floor also offers small study rooms, a conference room, gathering space, an art gallery, a children’s program room, and staff offices.
Read moreOne of the challenges in the design of the library interior was accommodating staff concerns about sight lines from the circulation desk to the entry points on the first floor. We addressed this by lowering the book stacks and allowing open space between collections and circulation paths. On the second floor, we put the Young Child lower book stacks and the open play zone up front to address similar concerns about staff keeping children in sight.
A second challenge was the color palette. We wanted the aesthetic to fit the modern exterior architecture of the building, but wanted to ensure a warm, inviting feel to the library interior. We accomplished this by mixing materials and using daylighting to our advantage. With a warm gray carpet throughout, we accented with natural maple wood grain and a stone look porcelain tile. Bright accents of color in the floor highlight seating groups along the windows on both the first and second floors.
This new development, which is the largest that Platteville has seen in over 40 years, has brought new energy and enhanced the downtown.
Platteville Public Library Fireplace and Lounge Area
The fireplace features porcelain tile and wood ceiling, creating a focal point and pleasant area to read.
Platteville Public Library Check-Out Desk
The main circulation desk was custom made to accentuate other design elements in the space while also being easily located from across the library
Platteville Public Library Reading and Study Space
This space features a variety of seating options including powered study tables, lounge chairs with small laptop tables, and individual working lounge pods
Platteville Public Library Computers
The 1st floor has two 5-person computer pods configured in a wedge-shape with central power. There is also a meeting room with a large glass opening allowing staff to supervise
Platteville Public Library Upper Level Reading and Study Space
This space features an accent carpet that coordinates with the colored glass of the exterior windows. Additionally, there is a variety of seating options to read, work, or relax
Platteville Public Library Children's Space
The open children’s area has seating for both parents and children with appropriately sized furniture, a play area, gaming station, and interactive light tables
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