The Green Valley Ranch Library, recently named Colorado Association of Libraries “2011 Library of the Year,” is the first facility in the Denver Public Library District designed to support a “Family Style” program. This 26,000 SF library includes an integrated adult and children’s area, quiet reading zones, study nooks, discovery pods, intimate fireplace, and meeting rooms.
The town of Green Valley Ranch is poised between central Denver, Denver International Airport and the dramatic openness of the eastern Colorado plains. This relation to the plains landscape and airplanes of Denver International Airport inspired the concept of iPlains and ePlanes seen throughout the library.
The design celebrates the iPlains with a geometric xeric landscape to the south of the building and the ePlanes with an aerodynamic roof form and structural detailing derived from early aircraft design.
The interior is designed around four wings, or strips that organize the library. Discovery pods are located through the space to promote shared learning. The use of bright colors and natural light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons to learn.
The library boasts of a LEED Gold certification and celebrates its heritage as it takes off to inspire the future.