San José's Green Art

The Pearl Avenue Branch Library (PABL) in San José, CA, is one of 20 new or renovated libraries that will display public art as part of a $212 million bond approved by voters in November 2000, but it is the only one to boast an installation that melds beauty with green-powered practicality. “Solar Illumination I: Evolution of Language,” created by artist Lynn Goodpasture and fabricated by Peter Glass Studios, features art glass panels embedded with photovoltaic cells that power a lamp at the library's entrance.

The artwork explores cultural differences and at the same time celebrates what we all have in common. Each of the four panels, forming the building's southwest corner and facing the children's room, holds characters in different ancient scripts, forerunners of Latin, Russian, Vietnamese, and several Indian alphabets. The color-changing lamp is engraved in cuneiform with the message, “We are all one.” According to Goodpasture, the artwork links the past with the present by celebrating the writings of humanity while incorporating today's solar and LED technologies.

How did PABL decide on such a unique project? “It's not an easy process,” Deputy Director Richard Desmond told LJ. “When it comes to art and architecture, everyone has opinions.” Every branch project begins with a community meeting, where library officials gather feedback to include in the design process. “Every neighborhood tells us they're unique,” said Desmond, “but they all say the same thing—they're diverse and formed in agriculture. We try to avoid fruit.” He considers PABL to be one of the more successful collaborations.

The City of San José has a green building policy that has influenced the evolution of the project. Originally, all buildings were designed to meet LEED Certified status, although the San José Public Library (SJPL) didn't pursue certification owing to cost considerations. Now, SJPL has decided to do so, said Desmond, and all buildings larger than 10,000 square feet will seek LEED Silver status. PABL is 14,000 square feet.

Art isn't the only up-to-date feature at SJPL facilities. Each branch has self-checkout capability, a quiet study area, and a “living room” concept area, complete with fireplace, according to SJPL spokesperson Lorraine Oback. SJPL recently opened another café, now totaling six. It's not much of a moneymaker, admitted Jennifer Easton, a senior project manager with the city, but more of a convenience for the customer.

SJPL's bond-funded construction project is near completion, as 13 facilities are now open to the public, four are currently under construction, and two are in the design phase. Project managers will begin seeking design input this summer for the final facility, bolstered by the knowledge that two percent of the budget has been designated for public art.