2023
Location: Walt Whitman Library, Brooklyn
This library is inspired by The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and the 53rd Street Library in Midtown Manhattan, blending traditional library functions with modern needs.
Wildflowers, a key metaphor in Chbosky’s novel, represent individuality and growth. At the center of the ground floor is a conversation pit surrounded by bookshelves, creating a cozy space for reading and discussion.
Above it, a matinee utilizes the vertical space to overlook the library. Studio spaces with flexible seating and a sink support art classes and workshops.
The children’s area is divided into two perpendicular zones on either end of the ground floor. A basement digital hub encourages tech exploration, while study zones with laptop bars and outlets support focused work.
The library’s layout is organized into distinct zones with centralized and perimeter bookshelves for intuitive navigation and open sightlines, inviting all ages to engage with literature meaningfully.