San Diego New Central Library

San Diego, California

San Diego’s New Central Library replaces a deteriorating and overcrowded downtown facility built in 1954. The architectural design was conceived by Rob Quigley in a series of interactive workshops attended by hundreds of San Diegans. The new library has two civic objectives: first and foremost, to serve the community’s needs for information, literacy, and knowledge in the 21st century; and second, to be a new community landmark—a civic icon that embodies San Diego's commitment to the future. Something for Everyone The library was conceived as a simple 9-story archive of flexible space sandwiched at the top and ground floors with diverse and accessible public amenities. At the request of citizen participation groups, bay view terraces, roof gardens, and a public reading room were added to the base program. Other features include a 330-seat, flexible special events room on the 9th floor, various terraces, a cafe, gardens, and an inspiring reading room under the lattice dome—creating a unique and extraordinary facility for use by all San Diegans. People will enter the library through the 2-story arcade that runs the length of the Park Boulevard facade. Two-story transparent glass windows invite views into the library and attract visitors from the trolley and surrounding areas. A secure vestibule contains the parking elevator and library store/gift shop. From the vestibule, one enters a 3-story lobby containing both elevators and escalators to the lower three levels. The lobby also provides access to the Circulation Desk and to the Popular (i.e., downtown branch) Library and Children's Library. At the ground level, large folding glass doors open to the southern courtyard or 'library garden.' This outdoor room, shaded by large trees, is conceived as a principal public gathering space, secure but accessible from both 'K' Street and Park Boulevard. The garden is intended to be a celebration of San Diego's lifestyle and diverse values. Suitable for large gatherings but intimate in character, it is served by a warming kitchen and animated by a pavilion-like outdoor café on the east. At the south edge of the courtyard is a 275-seat, sloped floor auditorium. During good weather, the entire facade between the auditorium and courtyard opens up to increase capacity and share activities.