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MONTGOMERY-FLOYD REGIONAL LIBRARY AND TOWN CENTER

The focus of the competition master plan is a new 40,000 square foot regional library which replaces an existing obsolete facility. The site occupies one corner block of sixteen original town blocks, but has been distorted over time. The civic center master plan restores the orthogonal character of the grid through a new town square which closes a minor road and serves as both a park and forecourt to the library. The library’s strong cylindrical form acts as an organizing hub to the collection of existing disparate civic buildings, while service, staff, community room, parking and expansion wings acknowledge the street grid, thereby anchoring the circular form. A regional bikepath, along a row of trees, leads into town, descending to the level of the square and under the library gateway. Reading and stack areas on all floors are naturally lit by a sixteen square skylight above an atrium. Photo-optically sensitive, photovoltaic powered louvers fill the oculus for sunlight control. The innovative daylighting system earned a 1996 Merit Award from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and American Institute of Architects.

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