Year in Architecture 2016: Oh, To Be a Child Again

Featuring the Poway Library, San Diego County Library; San José Public Library’s Village Square Branch, CA; Jamestown Bluffs Library, St. Louis County Library, Florissant, MO; Winfield Library, KS; and Canfield Branch Library, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, OH.
ljx161102webarchgallery6b Kids can explore the remodeled Poway Library, San Diego County Library, early learning Discovery Zone, with its brightly colored furniture scaled to fit the needs of the youngest customers. CREDITS: Davy Architecture, architect and photo ljx161102webarchgallery6c San José Public Library’s Village Square Branch, CA, takes its young patrons seriously with a children’s area entered through a colorful gateway with a clock tower; a small library-like building lets youngsters play librarian. CREDITS: IBI Group, architect; photo ©2016 Andy Yutsai Wang/W Architectural Photography ljx161102webarchgallery6a The expanded children’s area at the Jamestown Bluffs Library, St. Louis County Library, Florissant, MO, is highlighted by dynamic, curving walls. CREDITS: Bond Architects, architect; Alise O’Brien Photography, photo ljx161102webarchgallery6d The Winfield Library, KS, includes a family reading area, as well as a teen space, a test-taking area, and small study rooms. CREDITS: Clark Enersen Partners, architect; Paul Brokering, photo ljx161102webarchgallery6e One of the most unique features of the Canfield Branch Library, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, OH, is the early learning space designed by RedBox Workshop, Ltd. It has interactive elements ranging from a slide and a climbing wall to a bug magnifier. Verbs appear on every surface, including on clouds that hang from the ceiling. CREDITS: Faniro Architects, Inc., architect; Janet S. Loew, photo RETURN TO MAIN ARTICLE
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