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DONALD BRUCE KAUFMAN BRENTWOOD BRANCH LIBRARY

The new 10,500 square foot two story library occupies a compact infill lot in the heart of a vibrant commercial area. The use of bold sculptural shapes lends monumentality to a modest small building, adjacent to a large six story structure, while announcing the public nature of its functions. The use of diagonal geometries responds to adjacent open spaces to borrow views of adjacent landscaping, visually expand the tight site, and shield the library from the noise and activity of a busy street and pedestrian way. Exterior views and daylight enhance places to read throughout the interior. A large circular skylight drum brings natural light into the heart of the interior while establishing an urban gesture scaled to the boulevard. Despite a modest budget, the building received the 1995 Los Angeles Business Council Award for Best Public Use Architecture.

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