Minneapolis, MN
2014
VJAA Architecture
Travis Van Liere Studio
Paul Crosby Photography
AIA Minnesota Honor Award 2013
AIA American Library Association Honor Award 2016

In collaboration with Minneapolis-based design firm VJAA, the team designed a public library located in the heart of Uptown, a diverse commercial district in Minneapolis. Preserving primary viewsheds, facilitating accessibility, and creating a strong visual presence were presented as key design elements of this urban project. Neighborhood outreach and collaboration, strategic design processes, and cultural understanding facilitated the development of this Minneapolis landmark. The Walker Library embraces its active, urban context in order to adhere to young demographics. The surrounding bustling streets are occupied by lively pedestrians, bicyclists, ride-share scooters, metro buses, and vehicles.

TheWalker Library sits adjacent to the Midtown Greenway and busy public transit stations. It acts as an accessible civic core on Hennepin Avenue, and as an essential program highlighted by the community advisory committee. Located between packed streets and central intersections, valuable underground parking is also incorporated into this project, allowing for citywide engagement. Featuring community meeting areas, study rooms, and computer workstations, the Walker Library creates a sense of quiet refuge from the chaos of the city, while expansive windows connect patrons to the excitement and liveliness of their community.