 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Stunning images of a library in Texas
These days whenever there is an empty space in a town or a city, developers move in and start constructing multi-storey buildings, but a town in the United States has utilised an empty space very differently.
McAllen, a town in Texas, turned an old abandoned Walmart, a 124,000 square foot space into a public library, which makes it the biggest single-storey library in the United States.
The building's interior was designed by Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle as part of a team led by Boultinghouse Simpson Architects of McAllen, who designed the building's exterior.
Let's take a look at the beautiful library, thanks to Lara Swimmer, a photographer who shot the images and agreed to share them with us.
Courtesy, Lara Swimmer, Swimmer Photo
Click NEXT to see the library...
Stunning images of a library in Texas
After Walmart abandoned one of its retail stores in McAllen, Texas, the town decided to reuse the structure as a new main library.
The primary challenge of reusing the building was to create a highly functional, flexible library of 124,500 square feet on a single level.
Click NEXT to read more...
Stunning images of a library in Texas
Primary programme areas of the building - including community meeting rooms, the children's library, adult services, and the staff area - are located in quadrants of the building.
This clear organisation allows easy wayfinding and patron access from a central service spine, delineated by a patterned wood ceiling that runs the length of the building.
Click NEXT to read more...
Stunning images of a library in Texas
A secondary spine in orange bisects the first to further distinguish the public community meeting rooms from the private staff area and the children's from the adult services areas.
Click NEXT to read more...
Stunning images of a library in Texas
The library has a lot of empty space, which creates a very releaxing atmosphere.
Click NEXT to read more...
Stunning images of a library in Texas
The service area provides space for both children and adults.
Click NEXT to read more...
Stunning images of a library in Texas
The building has been designed in such a way that those who want to catch up with reading can do so in peace and quiet.
Click NEXT to read more...
Stunning images of a library in Texas
All the sections are clearly marked with big signs.
Click NEXT to read more...
Stunning images of a library in Texas
Bright colours have turned the library into a beautiful place.
Click NEXT to read more...
Stunning images of a library in Texas
The library also has lounges for people to read.