Architecture Civic Library + Bike Hub · East Bloomington, IN

Public Library East

Public Library East — exterior with cantilevered deck over the slope
Developed design — the reading room glazing and deck cantilever out over the sloping lawn on splayed columns.
Role
Design · Research
Scope
Public Library + Bike Hub
Tools
Rhino 8 · Twinmotion · Illustrator
East Bloomington Library, was designed to be a community anchor for learning, sustainability, and everyday use.
The project combines a traditional library with a bike hub for repair and learning that connects to Bloomington’s strong cycling culture and focuses on community health and knowledge.
01Problem
Bloomington's East Side has grown significantly, but the civic infrastructure has not. Many new residents don't have access the the strong civic services that Bloomington's downtown and university areas have access to.
02Solution

Libraries are now not just a place to house books but a civic hub for many activities. This library connects a key defining feature of Bloomington's culture, biking, with the ability to learn that libraries a built for.

03GRAPHICS
Building elevations — west, north, south and east faces
Elevations — west, north, south & east faces
Site plan — footprint set into the slope
Site plan — footprint set into the slope
Site study — building set into the slope
Site study — building set into the slope
Process

The decision to design a brutalist adjacent structure comes from the history of this building types use in civic buildings. It signals community and an idea of modernism to the users and people who pass by.

04Product
Open stacks under the timber ceiling
Open stacks under the timber ceiling
Class in the bike hub shop
Class in the bike hub shop
Level 1 — open stacks, shared entry & bike hub
Level 1 — floor plan
Level 2 — quiet study & staff over the stacks
Level 2 — floor plan