A contemporary building in San Jose now fills the lot that once housed a tired, under-sized branch library. This vibrant new library will provide a lively community hub for people of all ages and backgrounds in this diverse community to enjoy. In describing the building’s architectural elements, Desta states, “The site enjoys nature on three sides—Rodeo Creek and the Community Garden adjacent, and Calabazas Park across the street. This building is crisp in its’ architectural forms, and imparts an engaging sense of fun. The theme of language is reinforced on the exterior by the large graphic three-dimensional letters “aBc” at the children’s end and the “xYz” in the exterior glass facing the entry plaza from the community room.”

Washes of colorful light filter through the colored architectural glass upon entering the building. To experience this building is to experience a sense of fun for reading, learning and interaction throughout. As Desta and Kelly explain, “Inside the building, the words “READ” and “discovery” are cut into the colorful rubber flooring, and quotes by Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss are graphically incorporated into architectural elements in the Children’s area. Another important mission of this project is engagement of the community – from technology access and instruction to children’s storytime to an internet café and a living room with a fireplace for relaxing.”

The City of San Jose created the guidelines for this new approach to library design. Krong Design and Studio G were to follow and interpret this carefully defined program including specific quantities of circulation materials, designated program and functional areas, carefully thought-out adjacencies and functional services, and branded colors such as purple/lime green for teens and red for the internet café. “We were directed to provide a contemporary, exciting, fun and colorful space. We enjoyed lots of design freedom and support with regards to how to accomplish this, and benefitted from a dynamic and supportive collaboration with our clients,” Desta explains. In addition to the functional and visual design requirements, an important project goal was to be LEED-certified. At this time, the Calabazas Branch Library is on track for LEED-Silver Certification.
 

The City of San Jose loves the building and can’t wait to show the community. Due to open upon final city review and planning, the entire community - kids and parents alike - are anxious to see this colorful jewel box open its’ doors to them. Desta opens up about her experience and advice on Calabazas Branch Library: “Don’t be afraid to put forth bold ideas, including a rich palette of paint color!  Great design enhances the environments in which we live, work and play. Our paint color palette for the Calabazas Public Library consists of 20 colors --- and everyone who tours the library loves it!”