ENCINO-TARZANA BRANCH LIBRARY
Located on Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana, CA the new Encino-Tarzana Branch Library sits at the intersection of a small residential neighborhood and the wider world, both physically and programmatically. As such it is a portal from the intimacy of home and neighborhood to the wider world of knowledge and infinite possibilities.
The footprint of the building evolved directly from programmatic necessities and confines of the site. An adjacent flood control channel and parking requirements for this 12,000 sf community facility influenced an entrance orientation that faces the on-site parking yet invites pedestrians from all directions. The simple trapezoid plan was extruded into folding roof planes, presenting an ever-changing form to visitors and observers with dynamic geometries of roof that move up and out yet also slope gently down to provide shelter at the entrance. A prow-like form at the corner is opened with a large expanse of glass allowing exterior and interior views. Inside, the simplicity of the space is expressed as a great room with exposed glue laminated wood beams and a natural Tectum ceiling to warm the interior.
The footprint of the building evolved directly from programmatic necessities and confines of the site. An adjacent flood control channel and parking requirements for this 12,000 sf community facility influenced an entrance orientation that faces the on-site parking yet invites pedestrians from all directions. The simple trapezoid plan was extruded into folding roof planes, presenting an ever-changing form to visitors and observers with dynamic geometries of roof that move up and out yet also slope gently down to provide shelter at the entrance. A prow-like form at the corner is opened with a large expanse of glass allowing exterior and interior views. Inside, the simplicity of the space is expressed as a great room with exposed glue laminated wood beams and a natural Tectum ceiling to warm the interior.
