BRIEF:  Create an addition that will house the Columbus Architectural Archives. 

SITE:  Original north plaza of library by I.M. Pei completed in 1969. Columbus, IN

PROGRAM:  

• Archives Area: Space for the public to view items in the archives by appointment with library staff archivist. 

• Reading Area: Space for library users to read and study.

• Stacks

• Public Art Gallery

This design works to elevate the Columbus Architectural Archives as a floating jewel box clad in a skin with a graphic brutalist touch, inspired by shou sugi ban wood burning technique and contextuality nodding to the brick materials of Pei’s Library. The glass walls on the ground level allow the art gallery to extend into the existing brick plaza. The interior space is open and honors the rhythm of movement of the original library as well, allowing one to peer down through reading spaces and the gallery area. Slit windows are tucked within the brutalist graphic cladding, allowing light to sliver into the space echoing modern spiritual architecture designed by, Eliel Saarinen and Corbusier.

J. Irwin Miller M. Arch Program // Architecture Studio 1 - Fall 2021 // Professor Kelly Wilson