Erna Fergusson Library
Owner:
Albuquerque Public Schools
Date of Completion:
September 2003
Building Area:
15,227 square feet
Builder's Name:
Newt & Butch Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc
The program includes adult collections and reading; children’s collections, program area, and seating; Talking Books (program of books on tape for the blind), public access computers, lounge seating, administrative area, and a community meeting room. The meeting room and restrooms need to be available when the library is closed. Other functions include the delivery dock and an outdoor area near the children’s area for outdoor programs.
The tight budget required preserving the columns, beams and roof deck of the original 7,000 gross-square-foot, rectangular building, while tripling the program. To contrast the low ceilings, two acoustically controlled, vaulted segments were added over the major reading areas. Three triangular light monitors cut in the ceiling space admit natural, but not direct light and increase the sense of space. Brick louvers on the west control light – allowing the setting sun to shine through in winter, but not in summer – and sound from the commercial street.
Design Awards:
- Albuquerque American Institute of Architects, Merit Award, 2005
