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Encino-Tarzana Branch Library
Tarzana, Calif.
Steven Ehrlich Architects
A new angle on learning at a California
library
© Tom Bonner |
For more photos click on 'photos
& drawings' above.
To see the people and products
behind this project click on 'people & products.'
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Located on Ventura Boulevard, the new
12,000-square-foot library for the city of Los Angeles sits
at the intersection of a small residential neighborhood and
the wider world, both physically and programmatically. As
such, it connects the intimacy of home and community to the
realm of knowledge and possibility. State of the art computer
facilities complement a varied book collection that serves
library patrons of all ages, while the comfortable reading
and meeting spaces invite community use throughout the day.
Simple forms combine to create dynamic
geometries with a sweeping roof that thrusts up and out, and
also gently down to provide shelter at the entrance. At street
level, the prow-like corner opens with a large expanse of
glass, allowing an exchange of views. Inside, the great room
expresses a quiet simplicity, with exposed laminated wooden
beams above providing warm color. Glass interior clerestories
hover over interior walls, while skylights enhance the daylighting
of the space. Exterior materials complement the geometry of
the building: corrugated metal panels follow the sloping roof
while standing seam metal roofs highlight its changing angles.
The landscape design received special
care, with materials selected for their appropriateness to
the valley climate and more specifically to the nearby creek,
thus restoring the feel of a natural environment. Permeable
pavements and the introduction of a natural filtration system
known as bioswales help control stormwater runoff, some of
many measures employed to make this project environmentally
friendly.
Formal name of Project:
Encino-Tarzana Branch Library
Location:
Tarzana, Calif.
Gross square
footage:
12,000 sq. ft.
Total construction
cost:
$4.75 Million
Owner:
City of Los Angeles
Architect:
Steven Ehrlich Architects
10865 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310.838.9700
310.838.9737
www.s-ehrlich.com
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