The project scope for the City of Moline’s new 73,000 s.f. new library included:
- Two stories
- Meeting Rooms
- Conference Rooms
- Coffee Shop
- Office Area
- New children’s area
- Parking expansion
- Self-Check Kiosks
‘The strategy for the design addresses the desire for transparency. First, the facility is placed on the street frontage, bringing the facade into public view. Second, all hard-wall spaces, such as restrooms, office areas, mechanical spaces, etc., are placed to the back of the plan, which positions the open collection and seating areas toward the front of the facility. Third, large expanses of fenestration connect the library to the exterior and present an open, inviting appearance to the public.
The exterior design for the facility is a bridge between modern and contemporary. The materials, brick, stone, copper and glass, are traditional materials for the City of Moline, but they are used in a modern interpretation of the library program. Sustainability is addressed through considerable daylighting through the wide expanse of windows and a light monitor on the second level. Daylight sensors control artificial light levels. Low maintenance planting and bio-swales were incorporated into the site design.’
– OPN Architects (March-April 2008 Issue of Design Cost Data)
