The New York Public Library Battery Park City
New York Public Library commissioned this 10,500-square-foot branch library, which occupies the first two floors of a residential high-rise in Battery Park City, to meet the needs of a new and rapidly growing community. As a new branch without an ingrained pattern of community use, the design focuses on maximizing the library’s visibility in the neighborhood and attracting visitors. The fully-glazed, two-story facade creates an inviting street presence that draws visitors inside and positions the building as a neighborhood anchor. Interior spaces provide an open, naturally lit environment conducive for learning. A prominent staircase enhances connectivity between the two levels and doubles as both an information kiosk and an informal reading nook. Flexible work areas, collaborative spaces, digital workstations, and independent study areas are evenly distributed throughout the library, making it a dynamic and versatile community resource.
Awards
Contract, Public Space Interiors Award, The New York Public Library, Battery Park City Branch, 2012
The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, Port Morris Tile and Marble Corporation Craftsmanship Award, 2011
Interior Design, Best of Year Merit Award, 2010
Publications
Tarricone, Paul. “Welcome to the Neighborhood.” LD+A, April 2012.
Landgraf, Greg. “New & Now: 2012 Library Design Showcase.” American Libraries, March / April 2012.
Kim, Sheila. “Battery Park City Branch, 1100 Architect.” Contract, January / February 2012.
Magill, Lee. “Ten Best Libraries.” Time Out New York Kids, August 2011.
“Supertrendy, Supergreen.” Ecologik, December 2010/January 2011.
Space, Ifeng. Architecture of Low Energy Consumption. Shanghai: Jiangsu People’s Publishing House, 2011.
Allen, Cindy, ed. Interior Design Best of Year. Boca Raton, FL: Sandow Media, 2011.
Hill, John. Guide to Contemporary New York City Architecture. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2011.
“Best of Year: The New York Public Library, Battery Park City.” Interior Design, December 2010.
Lindstedt, Katherine. “Open > Library: Battery Park City Library by 1100 Architect.” The Architect’s Newspaper, July 28, 2010.
Kaminer, Ariel. “A Library That Most Can Only Dream Of.” The New York Times, March 26, 2010.
Pinto, Nick. “Plans for BPC Library Unveiled.” Tribeca Tribune, October 5, 2007.
LOCATION: NEW YORK, NY
COMPLETED: 2011
LEED GOLD CERTIFIED
PHOTOGRAPHY © MICHAEL MORAN