Teen Central, Burton Barr Phoenix Central Library
Phoenix, Ariz.
will bruder architects, ltd.

Teens join in the fun to craft this energetic learning space

© Bill Timmerman

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

The architecture of Teen Central is the result of an exciting collaboration among the teens of the community, the Phoenix Central Library staff, and the studio of will bruder architects. An energetic and sophisticated sculptural environment of dynamic curves, liquid colors, and magical light was created to house the Teens’ program of books, study, computers, sound, film, food, and fun! Like a curious mediateque on an orbiting space station, Teen Central is designed to inspire the Teens of Phoenix to discover their place in the universe.

The existing condition of the space was "finished" but not furnished and fitted. In the creation of the teen library, the space was "refinished" with no demolition, made possible largely by the inherent flexibility originally designed into the library with its highly refined integration of services, structure, and space.

Both custom and standard furnishings were used. Translucent fiberglass, anodized aluminum, perforated aluminum, and stainless steel form the palette of the custom bookshelves, magazine racks, individual computer carols, group computer tables, paperback racks, and CD bins. Ordered furniture and fabrics were selected to form groups of differing and complementary use and formality. Modern classics from Eames, Jacobson, Aalto, Stark, Ducardy, and Magistretti were selected not only for their proven comfort and also for durability. The architects thought of the furniture as part of the library’s collections, complementing books and other media, and manifesting the belief that learning is as experiential as it is conceptual.

Click here to see September 2001's Record Interiors.

Formal name of project:
Teen Central, Burton Barr Phoenix Central Library

Location:
Phoenix, Ariz.

Gross square footage:
5,000 sq ft

Owner:
City of Phoenix

Architect's firm:
will bruder architects, ltd.
111 West Monroe, Suite 444
Phoenix, AZ 85003
t 602 324 6000
f 602 324 6001