The renovation of the Youth Services facilities at Glendale Central Library aimed to transform the austere environment created by the original concrete ceiling coffers into a joyful and inviting space.
In the Children’s Library, a new sub-ceiling was developed. Among the challenges was integrating lighting within the ceiling complexity, blending with the design, and fostering a comfortable, glare-free environment. The center of the space is illuminated with a large, backlit oculus, while micro downlights extend the uniformity to the perimeter.
Perimeter walls are bathed in light, highlighting unique illustrations from children’s literature, with scenes chosen by the librarians.
The original ceiling coffers were integrated with the concept to balance light levels in the adjacent circulation area. Custom pendants were coordinated using original power locations and creating a skylight effect from the coffers.
The reading room provides a calm atmosphere with indirect illumination from the vaulted ceiling and integrated lighting in the bookshelves.
The reading nooks, from the original 1973 brutalist architecture, are primarily lit by daylight. New wall washers were added in the nooks to provide soft light for evening hours.
The redesigned Teen Room serves as a versatile gathering space enhanced by the central cove illuminated with a cove accent and custom recessed linear.
The dedicated recording studio includes specialized lighting for video production.
The result is an exciting and engaging space for the community to enjoy, encouraging learning and creativity.
Architect: Johnson Favaro
Photos: ZAW Studio, Kevin Geraghty, Mariana Diaz, Dawn Hollingsworth, Steve Johnson
This project has been awarded an IES Illumination Award of Merit from the Illuminating Engineering Society and an Award of Merit from IES Los Angeles.
