FERGUSON LIBRARY

120.000 SF | STAMFORD, CT

Public libraries, including the Ferguson Library, have the responsibility to design their spaces to warmly welcome and engage everyone, emphasizing an environment where learning, gathering, and finding a sense of belonging are paramount. Adapting existing spaces to be more open, flexible, and interconnected, libraries become more inviting, engaging, and energized—comfortably accommodating more people. Utilizing existing space more efficiently leverages the value of every square foot, leading to savings in construction and energy costs, and potentially attracting a larger audience. The library, rooted in its traditional role as a "cloister" of books and quiet study spaces, can also transform into a dynamic "crossroad" of open, flexible meeting places, catering to various needs for solitude or group interaction.

Design with Universalisms

Ferguson Library has multiple locations, responding to their distinct physical settings and neighborhoods. At the same time, the intent is that they all should all share the same DNA in their look, feel, and function guided by these twelve design universalisms:

Achieve more with existing facility space.

Enter welcoming and orienting spaces.

Mix and separate noisy and quiet spaces.

Provide spaces to meet and be alone.

Let open spaces become event spaces too.

Integrate bookstore with library vision.

Connect interior and exterior spaces.

Locate staff to where the action is.

Provide clear paths and sight lines.

Dignify accessibility for everyone.

Curate and showcase collections.

Demonstrate sustainable “green” design.