News
Mar 1, 2021 _ news
Library Breaks Virtual Ground in Deer Park
There were no shovels or soil involved, but the “virtual groundbreaking” for Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library’s (CHPL) new Deer Park Branch was still a success.
Following opening remarks from members of the CHPL library board and administration, GBBN’s design team introduced the design to the community members who had logged on for the event.
Summarizing community engagement efforts that occurred early in the design process, GBBN Principal, Amanda Markovic, described the community’s vision for “a design that would reflect the diversity of the community’s culture and ages,” deliver engaging and inclusive youth services, and support a diversity of uses by delineating zones for different kinds of activities.
GBBN’s Sean Cottengim then walked the audience through the design, sharing floorplans and renderings to illustrate how the design will transform a former TJ Maxx “into a vibrant civic space, that speaks to public engagement and investment.”
“By carving out zones for different age groups and activities—quiet spaces, flexible study pods, the living room, marketplace, community room, and ‘messy’ meeting room,” he explained, “and using a combination of mobile furniture and fixed boundaries, we’re making a fully accessible space that can be supportive of a wide variety of activities at once – and can be reconfigured when needed.”
With comments in the chat like, “This makes me cry! It’s so beautiful,” it was clear the design was well received.
Want to learn more about GBBN’s award-winning library work? Check out Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) East Liberty, CLP Knoxville, Baldwin Borough Public Library, or Braddock Carnegie Library Renovation.
