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COMPLETED WHILE WORKING AT DESIGNLAB ARCHITECTS

PROVIDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

PROGRAMMING
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
DOCUMENTATION

OVERVIEW

Honor the library's historic legacy while integrating contemporary service models to meet the current and future needs of the community.

This 85,000 SF project was Rhode Island's largest ever public renovation. Inspired by a "kitchen" model, the goal was to transform the library into a space for on-site programs, collaboration, and creation. Given its status as a historic landmark, the design underwent careful scrutiny and had to be approved by the Rhode Island Historic Preservation society.

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Before

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After

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OPPORTUNITY

Think Again Campaign.
 

As a non-profit organization, the library embarked on an extensive fundraising process to secure the necessary funding to renovate.

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To ensure that the project was a success, the team created multiple renderings, mockups, and studies, aiming not only to excite the community about the potential of the new design but also to honor the library's nearly 150-year legacy. Countless community meetings, public engagements, and design mockups were also conducted, ensuring that the transformation was both community-driven and sustainable.

OPPORTUNITY

A grand atrium stair to create visual connections and seamless circulation through the library.

The key design intervention is the insertion of a grand stair and atrium at the center of the library. This vertical circulation creates a welcoming entrance, providing clear visual connections and access to the programs and spaces in the library. 

The spatial programming strategically locates community amenities on the ground floor and core library spaces at the upper levels. 

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THE RESULT

The library's services and spaces are curated in an easy-to-navigate format, providing transparency and accessibility to all.

The organization of program creates a welcoming ground floor and a clear understanding of programs on the upper levels. This transformation has opened numerous new opportunities for the library to engage with the community.

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