MANHATTAN BEACH LIBRARY

County of Los Angeles/City of Manhattan Beach | Manhattan Beach, CA

Size and Cost:

22,500 SF; $18.5 M

Year:

2015

LEED Certified:

Gold

TEAM:

PRINCIPALS:

Steve Johnson, Jim Favaro

PROJECT ARCHITECT:

Steve Johnson

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL:

Brian Davis

SENIOR DESIGN ASSOCIATE:

Ingrid Dennert

Photographer:

Eric Staudenmaier


The new two-story library replaced the previous one-story facility at twice the size on a smaller footprint. With compact development of the library, new open space (grass and trees) was created at the heart of the civic center. This space features a gentle slope to create a modest amphitheater for outdoor community performances and events of all kinds. The new library includes a dedicated children's library, teen center, and community meeting room, as well as sections for adult collections, reading areas, and public access technology.

On the second floor, dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean are afforded with a sweeping panorama from Malibu to Palos Verdes, and Catalina Island to the south. Designed in collaboration with HED and built with LEED GOLD certification, the exterior envelope features a double glass wall separated by an air space that functions as insulation and return air plenum for the mechanical systems. The transparency of the building situates the building in the micro-climate of the coast where the ocean and moisture in the air causes changing qualities of light throughout the days and seasons to sometimes amazing effect.