Faulkner County Library

Conway, AR

This project began with the design of the site and its contextual issues in a PUD (Planned Unit Development) report for the City Planning Commission. Screening vegetation and fences, directional lighting, setbacks and controlled after-hours access were incorporated to ensure the library would be a good neighbor.

The concept for the design of the library was to keep it in the scale and context of the neighborhood by using brick and incorporating sloped roofs while maintaining the image of a library.

The lobby acts as the centerpoint, which provides access to all functions of the building. The main corridor follows the contours of the site though a series of ramps. Each ramp spills into a reading area highlighted by a vaulted ceiling capped with energy efficient skylights. Beyond the reading areas, off the center spine of the building, are the stack areas. These areas terminate into a bay providing ample natural light for book browsing or reading.

Computer reference stations are also located off the central spine, but are tucked into areas intended for dedicated computer usage. The library has a computer networking system for in-house use as well as to the county’s library network.

The west end of the lobby provides access to the community meeting facilities, which consist of an auditorium and multi-purpose room. The east end of the lobby houses the circulation desk and administrative areas.