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Princeton Public Library Princeton, NJ
Civic
2006
Designed in concert with the diverse community it serves, the 58,000 square feet Princeton Public Library has become, in the words of its Director, "a community agora for the new millennium." The collaborative design process between architects and librarians and multiple community groups and organizations defined not only the functional requirements for the new building but also its values, themes and architectural expression. The project was coordinated with an adjacent public/private mixed-use development. This involved a competition to build retail, residences, a 500-car parking garage and a public park all on an existing borough-owned surface parking lot.

The success of the design process led to new construction projects that harmonize and repair the fabric of the downtown area and resulting in a marvelous new town square adjacent to the library. At three stories, the building is monumental in scale and at the same time openly welcoming. A large glass "porch" and playful glass staircase create a lively "see and be seen" theatricality along the main Princeton street, while quiet spaces and reading nooks are secluded throughout the building. Materials are attractively "merchandised" through custom displays, lighting and award-winning graphics.

Recognized by the Society for Environmental Graphic Design in 2006, the library’s interior signage and overall graphics plan reflects the library’s ‘retail’ atmosphere and ‘public’ focus, helping to form interior landscapes that invite browsing and inspire exploration for every level of user. Children are uniquely given "pride of place" on the third floor, including a tower room, story center and their own special outdoor garden terrace.

The Princeton Public Library has become the heart of downtown Princeton, fulfilling the vision of civic leaders, city residents, architects and the library staff.

Awards:

IIDA Philadelphia City Chapter
Princeton Public Library, Bronze Award – 2005

Society of Environmental Graphic Designers
Princeton Public Library – Society for Environmental Graphic Design – 2006


Read More Princeton
Public Library Princeton, NJ
2006 Princeton
Public
Library
Princeton, NJ
Civic
2006
Designed in concert with the diverse community it serves, the 58,000 square feet Princeton Public Library has become, in the words of its Director, "a community agora for the new millennium." The collaborative design process between architects and librarians and multiple community groups and organizations defined not only the functional requirements for the new building but also its values, themes and architectural expression. The project was coordinated with an adjacent public/private mixed-use development. This involved a competition to build retail, residences, a 500-car parking garage and a public park all on an existing borough-owned surface parking lot.

The success of the design process led to new construction projects that harmonize and repair the fabric of the downtown area and resulting in a marvelous new town square adjacent to the library. At three stories, the building is monumental in scale and at the same time openly welcoming. A large glass "porch" and playful glass staircase create a lively "see and be seen" theatricality along the main Princeton street, while quiet spaces and reading nooks are secluded throughout the building. Materials are attractively "merchandised" through custom displays, lighting and award-winning graphics.

Recognized by the Society for Environmental Graphic Design in 2006, the library’s interior signage and overall graphics plan reflects the library’s ‘retail’ atmosphere and ‘public’ focus, helping to form interior landscapes that invite browsing and inspire exploration for every level of user. Children are uniquely given "pride of place" on the third floor, including a tower room, story center and their own special outdoor garden terrace.

The Princeton Public Library has become the heart of downtown Princeton, fulfilling the vision of civic leaders, city residents, architects and the library staff.

Awards:

IIDA Philadelphia City Chapter
Princeton Public Library, Bronze Award – 2005

Society of Environmental Graphic Designers
Princeton Public Library – Society for Environmental Graphic Design – 2006