RA-DA teamed up with Rossetti Architects to design the interiors & signage for the new Redondo Beach North Branch Library & Community Center. The library serves a population of 32000 residents.
The program for this 12500 sf library is largely organized as an open free flowing space. This open plan allows the librarian to oversee the activities of fellow readers and visitors. Each book aisle is strategically arranged in a radial pattern with its center at the librarian's desk. There are private tutoring rooms available for after school tutoring along the perimeter of the main space, as well as several working stations for the community.
The building is the city's very first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified project. Its many green features include energy efficient lights, 18 bike racks and a shower for employees (to encourage bike transit), low flow toilets, the use of recycled materials and a 95% construction diversion rate, and drought-tolerant landscaping. There are plenty of windows that allow natural light to pour in and iluminate the space reducing the amount of energy spent.
