GLENDALE CENTRAL LIBRARY YOUTH SERVICES RENOVATION
City of Glendale | Glendale, CA
Client:
City of Glendale -Library, Arts and Culture Department
Status:
Completed Fall 2024Size:
10,000 SFTeam:
PRINCIPALS:
Steve Johnson, Jim FavaroPROJECT ARCHITECT:
Steve JohnsonASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL:
Kathy WilliamsSENIOR DESIGN ASSOCIATE:
Kevin GeraghtyDESIGN ASSOCIATE:
Mariana DiazImage Credits:
Zaw Studios
Johnson Favaro assisted the City in transforming the teen and children’s area to be open, flexible spaces for all to study, socialize, create, explore and learn. The 7,800 SF renovation of the Children’s Library includes a relocated all-glass entrance, a central activity area to facilitate story time, arts and crafts, and STEAM activities, a new Early Children’s section, and an enclosed study area that is reminiscent of a traditional Reading Room. Dispersed throughout the Children’s Library are seating, tables, technology stations, interactive learn/play elements, collaborative learning space and reading nooks. The story time area features a domed ceiling inspired by byzantine architecture and a floor pattern liberally reinterpreting the centuries old stone floor in the Pantheon in Rome. Encircling the room are the historic, scenic Zuber wallpaper coverings meticulously painted with literary characters “hiding in plain sight” by the artist Alix Soubiran. To make visible the imaginative inner world within and allow in natural light, the wall between the Main Hall and the Children’s Library was converted to all glass.
The 2,200 SF renovation of the Teen’s area include two glass enclosed collaboration rooms, a fully outfitted recording studio with a separate control room, and a video wall for gaming and other activities. The center of the room remains open and flexible for furniture to be infinitely rearranged to meet the everchanging needs and ideas of the teens and librarians.