Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library

The project doubles the size of the former one-story facility, originally constructed in 1959 and added to in 1979. The city could not afford to build an entirely new facility, so the project demolished the 1979 addition, added a second story to minimize the building footprint, and renovated the original building.

Due to the modest budget, the shape of the expansion is kept simple and is related to the existing building. The design uses color on the building exterior and interior, furnishings and landscaping to create an overall feeling of refreshed design without much expense. The design introduces a greater variety of spaces organized along a circulation spine that unites the entire building. A large footprint improves spatial flexibility and also reduces cost. Clerestory windows provide natural light on the second floor.

Inspired by Eames dining chairs that a patron had donated for reading chairs, the interior design approach customizes and updates 1950’s models to compliment the refreshed palette, including the first red-stained Eames chairs in the young adult area.