Project Description
A new 17,000 s.f. community library for a rapidly growing northern Arizona town, replacing current facility built in the early 1970’s. The new library will benefit a population of about 12,000 residents. Aside from reading rooms and book stacks, it will include several educational and social spaces with technology features to serve local residents.
Project Approach: The library design makes use of the vernacular motif, which is a design philosophy that emphasizes regional context. Buildings must ‘fit in’ and have a sense of place; in this case, Camp Verde. It makes use of native materials, local building forms and traditions. We can find many examples of this type of architecture in the Verde Valley. Aside from utilitarian uses, however, this design philosophy can also apply to civic buildings.
The design uses a simple, economical form. It is reminiscent of early agricultural buildings in the Verde Valley. The walls and roof are primarily corrugated metal. The cost savings in economy of design allows for quality features, refined detailing and other amenities. These features include 1.) a stone base made of authentic Verde river rock, which serves the purpose of elevating the building out of the flood plain. 2.)A heavy timber entry structure. 3.) Bronze accent panels are used to articulate the side walls of the building.