2023
120,000 SF | STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT
The Ferguson Library aims to transcend its role as a mere provider of books and technology, aspiring to become a vital community resource. The value of a public library is determined by its ability to address the unmet needs of users and extend its services to those who have been overlooked. With 120,000 square feet spread across four locations, it grapples with the challenge of meeting diverse needs while facing a 15% deficit in square footage per capita compared to recommendations. The library's distinctive alignment with its community defines its objective: to foster a sense of community on a level playing field. A key focus is on creating adaptable and cost-effective spaces at all locations, addressing current community needs and anticipated future requirements over a 10-year period.
2023
2,700 SF | SOMERSET COUNTY, MAINE
The Ferguson Library aims to transcend its role as a mere provider of books and technology, aspiring to become a vital community resource. The value of a public library is determined by its ability to address the unmet needs of users and extend its services to those who have been overlooked. With 120,000 square feet spread across four locations, it grapples with the challenge of meeting diverse needs while facing a 15% deficit in square footage per capita compared to recommendations. The library's distinctive alignment with its community defines its objective: to foster a sense of community on a level playing field. A key focus is on creating adaptable and cost-effective spaces at all locations, addressing current community needs and anticipated future requirements over a 10-year period.
2023
22.000 SF | MOUNT PLEASANT, NY
A full renovation within the existing footprint to make better use of the space the library already has while respecting the existing Architecture. A new floor opening connects the main floor to the lower floor to provide visibility and harvests daylight. The existing mezzanine is reduced to provide more open space on the main level with balcony seating above.
A new outdoor pergola provides areas for outdoor programs as an extension of the children’s area and the cafe. A new outdoor amphitheater has tiers down from the street to the indoor program room. The indoor program room has garage doors that open to blur the boundary between inside and out to welcome patrons and have the landscape be an extension of the library.
2022
22.000 SF | MOUNT PLEASANT, NY
A full renovation within the existing footprint to make better use of the space the library already has while respecting the existing Architecture. A new floor opening connects the main floor to the lower floor to provide visibility and harvests daylight. The existing mezzanine is reduced to provide more open space on the main level with balcony seating above.
A new outdoor pergola provides areas for outdoor programs as an extension of the children’s area and the cafe. A new outdoor amphitheater has tiers down from the street to the indoor program room. The indoor program room has garage doors that open to blur the boundary between inside and out to welcome patrons and have the landscape be an extension of the library.
2022
10.000 SF |NORTH STONINGTON, CT
A new public plaza is created by moving the existing parking in front of the building to create a place for outdoor programs and every day lounging. A new pergola is created as a stage to activate the front plaza and side yard for flexible program locations. A new handicap ramp is seamlessly integrated into the landscape and front facade. The new entrance lobby captures the original ceiling height to anchor the entrance for curated displays.
The second floor Great Room will have flexible furniture and a new LED screen for programs and events. Updating the MEP systems to provide cooling and fresh air, will make this grand space operational all year around and reduce the building's carbon footprint with the elimination of fossil fuels. Small meeting rooms and a cafe activate this space as a destination and community resource for the town and neighboring communities.
2021
SOUTH KOREA
The design further narrates the meeting of traditional and regional Korean Hanok hand crafted wood architecture with modern and international high tech cross laminated timber (CLT) structures. CLT is carbon neutral, as wood always speaks to the value of using renewable resources and is warm to the touch and eye. As such the Library teaches respectful attention to history and environment. Hanok houses have floor heating systems. This library design has raised floor plenums that flexibly and efficiently bring heat and air (and electricity) to closer to where people might be. The massing of Hanok houses portray the relation of central public spaces to perimeter more private spaces that ascend. So does this Library, whose façade treatment portrays the vertical stacking of ground level social spaces, below the level of books and study, below a level of collaborative and group meeting/work spaces, below a roof for play and gathering.
2020
NEW YORK, NY. 900 SF
Plans are underway to transform the American Hungarian Library—a hidden gem—just below street level at the Hungarian House in Manhattan. This 900 square foot library will be renovated into a highly flexible research and gathering place for all age groups as a celebratory and educational community center of Hungarian literature, art, cinema and culture. The design leverages its every square inch into energized settings that can flex for exhibitions, classes, meetings, and events. Inspirations from modern and folk art, to classic and popular music inform colors, graphics and furniture. The library plans to serve and welcome the local Hungarian and broader NY community.
2018 - 2020
ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN. 200,000 SF RENOVATION AND 80,000 SF NEW CONSTRUCTION
HMA2 is planning a major transformation of the Narxoz university campus, originally built in the Soviet era. The project includes the complete interior and exterior renovation of its nearly 300 meter long building. Bisecting the long building will be a new entry “gateway building” that will provide flexible assembly, meeting and dining spaces for academic uses as well as broader community events. The architecture and site are woven to create an outdoor shared university and community event, art exhibition, and recreation place, “Gateway Park” at Narxoz University. The gateway building’s cantilevered front creates an open entry porch over an extended plaza. The existing entry building with its iconic mosaic mural shall become part of the library and will have a new courtyard surrounded by a landscaped pergola. Parking on site will be available for campus and community visitors. The campus design will transform Narxoz University into a state of the art academic center, a civic cultural and community center, and a recognized regional and global destination.
2019
WESTPORT, CT / 50,000 sf renovation
The transformation of this original 1980’s/1990’s library into a 21st century library is about unlocking the potential energy in space and in people. Walls, floors, and ceilings were lifted and stretched within the existing footprint to create spaces for a parade of learning and social activities. Book stack collections that formerly occupied the main level’s grand center space were flipped onto the lower river walk that has quiet and cozy reading nooks and computer stations. The main level was transformed into a flexible arena for co-working and staged events. Table and chairs on wheels allow users to form a collection of highly visible, flexible and compact spaces. The library fuses print and digital experiences by showcasing hot of the press books next to state of the art media production studios for an energetic community.
2018
NEW YORK
"We’re about jewelry literacy. The kind you find in our collection of books and catalogues. The kind that comes from hearing a jewelry artist talk about their craft. The kind that comes from handling “pieces.” We’re about jewelry stories. The story of your grandmother’s brooch. The story that inspired a young jeweler’s collection. The Hope Diamond. The Crown Jewels. And movies like The Earrings of Madame de… We’re about jewelry community. Open to all jewelry people."
2010-2016
BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN 65,000 SF RESIDENTIAL + 150,000 SF ACADEMIC CENTER
A new college campus for AUCA breaks new ground in designing college spaces and in transforming Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic. The design nods to liberal arts colleges of America while integrating the colors, patterns and hospitality of Kyrgyz nomadic culture. Like the indigenous yurt, the large academic building is a multi-use and flexible structure for learning, dining, gathering and playing. The dense weave of interior spaces aims to spark spontaneous and creative interactions, and takes extra advantage of every square meter. Framed between the architecture and mountains the welcoming entry quad recalls both the historic campus at the University of Virginia and the tree lined parks of Bishkek. A sustainable geothermal system utilizing the world's most current technologies to heat and cool the building is a first in Kyrgyzstan—and with AUCA's leadership, not the last.
2010-2016
NEW YORK CITY, NY / 2012 5,000 SQ. FT. FOR RENOVATIONS / 35,000 SQ. FT. EXPANSION
In just a few years the leadership for this K-8 parochial school has transformed its programs and pedagogy to better serve its community and prepare its students for the world today. Tradition and innovation guide ongoing design and construction work to retrofit the existing historic building and to plan a dramatic extension in 2015. Phase 1, completed this past summer included transforming underutilized roof terrace space into an environmental science lab that has both indoor and outdoor leaning spaces, connected by a glass garage door. In addition the roof terrace's mobile planters can be pushed to the side to allow for large social events both day and night. The indoor lab hosts board meetings.
2016
NEWARK, NJ
Updating this historic library to help serve and rejuvenate a community is the focus of the design effort. New special library spaces including Philip Roth’s personal library are planned to celebrate Newark’s native talents and heritage, while providing flexible spaces for meeting, study and community events.
2011-2012
NEW YORK, NY / 15,000 SF / 2011-2012
Innovate Manhattan Charter School spent the 2011-2012 school year incubating in historic Tweed Hall. The pop-up design installed in the summer of 2011, transformed large scale spaces into different learning zones. Each comprised a central study and workshop area flanked by two classroom areas. By September of 2012, the school had relocated to its permanent home at Delancey Street in the Lower East Side. With a focus on individualized education, learning subjects rotate from classroom to classroom, promoting flexibility in a shared environment. Dedicated study zones in different settings allow small groups and individuals to focus. Ease of circulation and changing environments engage students in active learning.
2012
NEW YORK CITY, NY / 6,000 SF
The way students use a library has radically changed since this world class high school's library was built a generation ago. While the existing library had been retrofitted more recently to accommodate fixed computer stations and a writing center, the library spaces and services are so in demand that eager students often waited in line at the front door to gain access. In response, HMA2 conceived a learning and gathering center that could flexibly accommodate large numbers of students working in groups, multiple computer stations, teaching with smart boards, and assemblies for events as well as a home for the English department and its writing center. Now students enter an open, compact and welcoming loft for learning and an oasis for study.
2008-2012
WASHINGTON, DC / 22,000 SF
Updating Carnegie libraries for living and learning in the 21st centurywas part of Washington DC’s visionary expansion plan for its public libraries promoting community pride and participation. As part of the work to the Southeast branch, neighborhood residents and social media were engaged to produce decorative finishes. The 1925 Mount Pleasant branch (in collaboration with local firm, CORE) conceived a sensitive restoration and respectful expansion. A central atrium connects old and new buildings, greeting and orienting visitors. Work included the restoration of existing murals by artist Aurelius Battaglia, who went on to illustrate Disney movie classics, Dumbo and Pinocchio. His colors and patterns inform the new interior design, inspiring ongoing generations.
2011
CHARLOTTE, NC / 30,000 SF RENOVATION
A new welcoming entry with concierge help desk and cafe greets students and faculty to a teaching and learning center and “tech forum.” This first phase renovation that was built in two months transforms the ground level of 1970’s era library into a modern academic and social magnet.
1999-2008
The designs for the L!BRARY initiative reinvented the school library in New York, aiming to boost student reading scores as well as the love for learning. Funded and led by the Robin Hood Foundation, the L!BRARY initiative produced 60 libraries for public schools in NYC's neediest districts. As a volunteer and in collaboration with educators, Henry Myerberg helped conceive the L!BRARY initiative in 1999. He designed 12 libraries and recruited other leading architects and designers to participate in creating the libraries. As children learn best in collaborative settings, the libraries have open and flexible spaces equipped with current technology, books and newly trained librarians in what Myerberg calls "playgrounds for learning". The new spaces also provide well-needed after school facilities for children.
2011
ELON, NC / 15,000 SF
A new public library for a growing community enhances and compliments a public recreational park. The broad roof of the one-story library is like a giant leaf over a square terrace pad and fronts a “town green.” Conceived as a community center for multi-generational activities, the library invites children and adults to participate in learning, computing, reading and socializing.
1986-1997
BRYN MAWR, PA / 10,000 SF RENOVATION + 35,000 SF EXPANSION
This project heralds the transformation of the academic library from a quiet book-filled study sanctuary to an active academic and social center. Respectful of its setting, the modern glass, steel and stone two-story library is conceived as a restrained expansion to historic Thomas Hall, nestling into a sloping site under a grassy roof terrace. A central four-story high atrium hosting both passive activities such as reading as well as organized events, connects the old and new buildings while bringing daylight and by night, moonlight, into the lower levels. The library’s dense weave of study, lecture, seminar, book stack and office spaces create settings for planned and spontaneous interactions amongst students and faculty. Today this library is a top stop on Bryn Mawr campus tours.
1995
BALTIMORE, MD / 10,000 SF
An expansion and renovation of a synagogue and school included a library, classrooms and gym. The library is the heart and soul of the school expansion and provides flexible gathering, study and technology spaces for all age groups. It features an interior rotunda whose encircling books and glazed openings help create an iconic and quiet setting for storytelling, reading and conferences.