Mariners Harbor Branch Library

As the first library and civic building in its neighborhood, Mariners Harbor Branch Library has become a catalyst and anchor of the community. It is conceived and used as a public gathering place for reading, computer access, job search/training, after-school assistance and supporting the traditional library function of being a book repository. The design concept for the single-story building is an oyster shell cracked open, rough on the outside and mother-of-pearl on the inside, to honor the area’s rich past of being a maritime and oystering community. The thorough research of the neighborhood history was led by Anna Torriani. The new library, situated between residential and industrial blocks amid dense foliage, is accessible from South Avenue. The volumes are integrated into the neighborhood context, creating a generous entrance garden and a smaller back yard accessible to the public. Anna Torriani studied the siting and worked on the garden areas with Kate Orff of Scape and Marina Solovchuk of Plus Group. The slight shift and bending of the library’s volumes create a hospitable entry and transition to its interior. There, a larger volume containing reading spaces and a smaller volume containing support functions are organized along an open, glazed, central circulation spine linking all services. A community room and a terrace overlooking the garden are additional spaces to be enjoyed by the visitors. Anna Torriani designed the open reading spaces with long bright red custom counters that enclose different areas for children, young adults and adults. Diffused natural light is maximized through the glazed surfaces at the street and garden sides of the library, while a glass roof brings northern light and tree views to the central portion of the building. Anna Torriani implemented passive design features and designed the glazing and glass roof informed by the sun cycles simulations studies.