New Columbia Public Library Will Offer Visitors A Unique, Green Climbable Façade

Architecture firm Heatherwick Studio recently unveiled the design for its first-ever public library, situated in Columbia, Maryland. The building, which will see its façade adorned in greenery, will be located alongside Lake Kittamaqundi near Baltimore.

Developed for Howard County Libraries, the structure aims to reflect how the role of the library has changed in recent decades, going from just a place to read to a community center “fostering diversity and promoting wellbeing in the city.”

There’s no doubt libraries are now hubs that go beyond being a “simple repository of knowledge,” lending not only books and magazines but also acting as a space for residents to interact, attend events, and access materials such as art or tools.

According to the architects, the building was inspired by the vision of James Rouse, founder of the community who believed that cities were “gardens for the growing of people.” As such, the five stories of the library will be draped in plants.

From the exterior, the structure will “lift” itself with unique cascading planted staircases that visitors will be able to climb, ultimately revealing an open, double-story atrium right at the top that will play host to future public events.

In honor of Rouse’s vision of respect for nature, the library’s numerous terraces will be populated with native plant species—with the façade seamlessly blending into the surrounding public park and lakefront. 

“Columbia has always been driven by a socially radical vision. This legacy inspired us to evolve the traditional library beyond books and into a new type of community center for broader learning and social exchange,” said partner Stuart Wood.

“A walkable, planted building that emerges from the lakeside landscape will house an amphitheater for events, play areas, and light-filled rooms designed for working and learning anything from cooking to IT,” he added.

Construction will begin on the site in late 2024, with the facility scheduled to open to the public in 2027. All county residents and visitors from around the country will be welcomed.

[via Dezeen and Archinect, images via Devisual for Heatherwick Studio]