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University City Public Library
University City Public Library
St. Louis, MO, United States
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Other Projects by Bond Architects, Inc.
University City Public Library
St. Louis, MO, United States
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2023
SIZE
10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft
BUDGET
$5M - 10M
Photos
Nestled in a bustling historic commercial district, University City Public Library was a community landmark since it first opened in 1969. The library is recognized as a striking regional example of Brutalist design. Derived from the French word “brut,” meaning uncut, rough, or raw, Brutalism emphasizes unpolished architectural materials and blocky, sculptural forms.
Because of its architectural significance, the library took their responsibility as the building’s caretakers seriously. Although the building was well-constructed and maintained, the aging interiors had not been updated since the 1960s. An expansive update was needed to better support the library’s current needs. Bond Architects’ challenge was modernizing the library’s interiors while maintaining the building’s distinctive character.
The main impetus for a renovation was demand for space. Because the library was locked in by a dense urban setting, expanding outwards wasn’t feasible. Our team was able to capture 958 SF of useable space by moving HVAC equipment out of a mechanical room and onto the roof. The previous mechanical room was converted into a makerspace and multipurpose room. New rooftop mechanical systems were placed to ensure the equipment would not disrupt the appearance of the building. Louvers were converted into windows, allowing in natural light. After careful consideration, the library chose to use this new space as makerspace / multipurpose room.
Interior design referenced the library’s history to define a strong sense of place. A vibrant tapestry installed in the library’s atrium inspired the new interiors color palette. New furniture was chosen for affinities with the mid-century styles prevalent when the library was first built. Playful new lighting fixtures also paid homage to mid-century modernism. Integral Brutalist design features, such as bare brick walls, were kept in place.
The new Children’s Area contains a tribute to the surrounding neighborhood’s history. In 1909, the founder of University City, E.G. Lewis, commissioned a pair of giant gates topped by lions to be placed at the entrance of the city. These lions were intended to be symbolic guardians of the city. Lions have been the city’s beloved mascots ever since. A pair of fiberglass lion “bookends”, flanked by giant books, were added at the entrance of the Library’s Children’s Area to honor these city guardians
Because of its architectural significance, the library took their responsibility as the building’s caretakers seriously. Although the building was well-constructed and maintained, the aging interiors had not been updated since the 1960s. An expansive update was needed to better support the library’s current needs. Bond Architects’ challenge was modernizing the library’s interiors while maintaining the building’s distinctive character.
The main impetus for a renovation was demand for space. Because the library was locked in by a dense urban setting, expanding outwards wasn’t feasible. Our team was able to capture 958 SF of useable space by moving HVAC equipment out of a mechanical room and onto the roof. The previous mechanical room was converted into a makerspace and multipurpose room. New rooftop mechanical systems were placed to ensure the equipment would not disrupt the appearance of the building. Louvers were converted into windows, allowing in natural light. After careful consideration, the library chose to use this new space as makerspace / multipurpose room.
Interior design referenced the library’s history to define a strong sense of place. A vibrant tapestry installed in the library’s atrium inspired the new interiors color palette. New furniture was chosen for affinities with the mid-century styles prevalent when the library was first built. Playful new lighting fixtures also paid homage to mid-century modernism. Integral Brutalist design features, such as bare brick walls, were kept in place.
The new Children’s Area contains a tribute to the surrounding neighborhood’s history. In 1909, the founder of University City, E.G. Lewis, commissioned a pair of giant gates topped by lions to be placed at the entrance of the city. These lions were intended to be symbolic guardians of the city. Lions have been the city’s beloved mascots ever since. A pair of fiberglass lion “bookends”, flanked by giant books, were added at the entrance of the Library’s Children’s Area to honor these city guardians
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