LJ's New Landmark Libraries | Criteria and Judges
May 15, 2011
The Criteria
The New Landmark Libraries criteria, developed jointly by the judges and LJ editors, cover everything from quality to sustainability to innovation. Applicants shared how their building project measured up to each of the following and submitted supporting photographs. When planning a building project, consider using these criteria as a checklist.
1. Overall design and construction excellence New Landmark Libraries demonstrate overall design and construction excellence with consideration of the (1) appropriateness and quality of materials; (2) connection between interior and exterior spaces; (3) durability of building finishes and furnishings; (4) appropriateness of materials used given local circumstances; and (5) response by the community including recognition, additional funding, and/or symbolic significance.
2. Response to community context and constraints New Landmark Libraries respond to their community context and constraints with consideration to (1) how public and staff input shaped the design; (2) any neighborhood improvements such as pedestrian access; (3) any incorporation of multifunctional uses; (4) any creative solutions to local constraints; and (5) an appropriate physical setting.
3. Sustainability New Landmark Libraries must be sustainable, particularly with regard to (1) site selection and development; (2) water efficiency; (3) energy use; (4) materials and resources used; (5) indoor environmental quality; and (6) ongoing education, outreach, and operations.
4. Functionality New Landmark Libraries maximize functionality in the delivery of library services. What design elements improve service delivery, experience, and accessibility for the public and staff?
5. Innovation New Landmark Libraries respond to current and anticipated demographic, cultural, and technological changes in innovative ways. Does the building test and prove the viability of new knowledge and assumptions?
6. Beauty and Delight New Landmark Libraries give the visitor an initial impression of beauty and delight. Judges looked for evidence of a “wow” factor that delights visitors—and any local, state, or national recognition—and considered how it relates to the design, if it is long-lasting, and why.
The Judges
Sixteen judges, the majority public library directors, led by project coordinator Louise Schaper, helped develop the criteria and evaluated the submissions. Geographically diverse, the judges serve very different size and type of institutions and bring an excellent mix of knowledge, experience, and interest in library functionality, architecture, sustainability, and design. Judges who had a hand in the design or worked for a nominated library were not permitted to evaluate it. All judging was confidential and performed via myreviewroom.com software.LJ thanks them for sharing their valuable expertise and time.
BRIAN BANNON Chief Information Officer,
San Francisco Public Library, CA
WILLIAM BROWN Director of Sustainability,
Indiana University, Bloomington
LESLIE BURGER Director,
Princeton Public Library, NJ
TIM DE NOBLE, AIA Professor and Dean,
College of Architecture, Planning and Design, Kansas State University, Manhattan
MARY DEMPSEY Commissioner,
Chicago Public Library
LAURIE EVANS Retired, Director,
Dallas Public Library
SANDY FEINBERG Director,
Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
BETTE-LEE FOX Managing Editor,
Library Journal, New York
TONI GARVEY City Librarian,
Phoenix Public Library
SARA JONES Director, Carson City
Public Library, NV
NORMAN MAAS Director of Libraries,
Norfolk Public Library, VA
ADRIANNE RALPH Facilities Design Coordinator,
King County Library System, Issaquah, WA
PAM SANDLIAN-SMITH Director,
Rangeview Library District, Thornton, CO
JOHN F. SZABO Director,
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
EVE TALLMAN Director,
Mesa County Public Library, Grand Junction, CO
CAROL TERRY Director of Library Services,
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence
For more on trends in library design see "The Year in Architecture 2010."
