The New York Public Library Francis Martin Library

This renovation of the Francis Martin Branch Library in the Bronx reorients the public experience around daylight, openness, and spatial legibility. The previous floor plan, defined by partitions and low visibility, was replaced with a radial layout that enhances supervision and movement. Book stacks fan out from the center, creating uninterrupted sightlines and improving accessibility. Two central information desks serve as visual anchors. Study areas and media zones are strategically positioned along the perimeter to capture daylight and external views. The redesign establishes a bright, contemporary civic space that supports multiple modes of learning.