Program Resolution
The composition of windows in the original design caused the building to appear stark and uninviting to some while, to others, it was a compelling sculpture of depth and shadow. To balance these differing perceptions, Cooper Carry worked with Pattern r+d to conduct an in-depth daylight analysis to determine the appropriate percentage of Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) to increase natural light and control glare while respecting the iconic form of the building. The team found that the introduction of windows to existing recessed planes significantly improved daylight access, helping to create a brighter interior and a more welcoming presence.
Another challenge of the library’s interior was that it was underutilized and difficult to navigate, leaving many of Breuer’s design signatures hiding in plain sight. The design team opened space to put these elements, including a distinct sculptural staircase and waffle slab ceiling and skylights that occupy the center of the building, on display by relocating the original central service elevator that was in the way. As an integral piece of the reimagination, Breuer’s preserved stairwell is better connected to the main entry through the addition of a new grand stairwell. Opening up the core of the building also had the effect of bringing in natural light to the atrium while serving as a smoke exhaust pathway, which was a necessary mechanical change to the building’s life-safety systems.
Lbrarians also advocated for a more flexible and efficient design that would enhance programming. In response, Cooper Carry integrated a variety of new seating and meeting spaces working with Hillsman, the furniture, fixtures and equipment selection consultant. The plan included colorful, reconfigurable seating and table arrangements, as well as an elevated wayfinding program. The team also introduced artist studios/makerspaces as an onsite, public resource for patrons. Excess library space following the renovation is being allocated to future ventures, businesses and services that meet the needs of Fulton County and the community.
To better welcome pedestrians and improve universal access and safety, the library’s revamped exterior plaza is activated with more lighting, video information display, and spaces to meet and gather. The goal is to extend the library’s footprint into the urban fabric and draw outsiders into the building.
On the previously underutilized fifth-floor outdoor terrace and surrounding event space, visitors will now discover the addition of comfortable gathering hubs that encourage library patrons to move outside the confines of the traditional library and interact with the world around them. Looking ahead, flex spaces, like the terrace and adjacent auditorium with telescoping seating and a large operable glass door, could be used as an income-generating venue for events—further helping the library to sustain its mission.
Epilogue
The Central Library officially reopened to the public last fall, reclaiming its place as a crucial fixture for downtown Atlanta. Serving as a “third place” for Atlantans, people from all walks of life are able to come together and experience the joys of discovering something new. As a critical community resource, the library is now a reflection of downtown’s changing urban landscape and a harbinger of a positive shift from a business district into a thriving destination for locals and visitors alike.
Strategic interventions—from facilitating more daylight access for library staff and patrons to enlivening the streetscape to encourage activity at the base of the building—have given the library a new lease on life while honoring Breuer’s last work. Design elements once lost to time, including the central staircase, roof terrace and round skylights, are no longer relics of the past but design-dominating features that add interest to the space.
As the Central Library enters a new chapter, its past will continue to inform its future.
Retrofit Team
ARCHITECT OF RECORD: Moody Nolan
DESIGN ARCHITECT AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Cooper Carry
ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT: Vines Architecture
CIVIL ENGINEER: Long Engineering
MEP/FP ENGINEER: Newcomb & Boyd
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Sykes Consulting
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Winter Johnson Group
DAYLIGHTING CONSULTANT: Pattern r+d
METAL PANEL INSTALLER: Bristol Engineered Metals
ELEVATOR CONSULTANT: Lerch Bates
FURNITURE, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT SELECTION CONSULTANT: Hillsman
ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANT: Thorburn Associates
WATERPROOFING CONSULTANT: Raymond Engineering
SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT: Epsten Group
WAYFINDING AND SIGNAGE CONSULTANT: EYP
Materials
METAL WALL PANELS: IMETCO
WINDOWS: EFCO
BIFOLD DOOR: Kawneer
SKYLIGHT: Kingspan Light + Air
DOORS: Oshkosh Door Co.
FIRE PROTECTION: Reliable, Victaulic, Anvil International and Viking
PARTITIONS: ASI Accurate Partitions
FLOORING: Stonhard, Mannington Commercial, Ceramic Technics LTD, Tandus, Armstrong Flooring Inc. and Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo Inc.
FABRIC WALL PANELS: Designtex and Carnegie Xorel
THEATER SEATS: KI
TELESCOPIC SEATING: Audience Systems
LIGHTING (INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR): Focal Point, Beta-Calco, Corelite, Portfolio, Neo-Ray, LUMU, McGraw Edison, Spectrum Lighting, Tivoli, Acclaim Lighting, BEGA and Teron Lighting
BIFOLD DOOR FRAME/MECHANISM: Schweiss
ROLLER SHADES: Draper
LANDSCAPE FURNISHINGS: Dero
ANCHORING SYSTEMS: Platipus Earth Anchoring Systems
METAL CASTINGS: Iron Age Designs
PAVERS: Belgard
PHOTOS: JONATHAN HILLYER unless otherwise noted