Houston, Texas
This City of Houston branch library is a dynamic community center for all ages. The program includes community meeting rooms, an archival center and an internet cafe with wireless technology. Just past the entry through a tower vestibule, the open lobby, with monumental stairs to the second level, welcomes the visitor and provides a clear sense of organization. The circulation and reference counter is centrally located, promoting convenience as well as visual control. Within the large, unified reading room are distinct areas serving the needs of adult, teen and young adult readers. Exterior walls contain large expanses of glass to not only bring daylight into the building, but also let those passing by know what the interior contains. The new Looscan Branch Library houses approximately 100,000 items in 20,400 SF and is the first LEED certified building built by the City of Houston.
In 2008, the Looscan Branch Library was awarded the Houston Business Journal's Landmark Award for Public/Private Partnership, the City of Houston's first Green Building Award from the U.S. Green Building Council, and two Associated Builders and Contractors' Awards of Excellence in Construction for Best Overall Project and Best Institutional Project.