FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY EXPANSION

The Fayetteville Public Library expansion has surpassed the expectations about what a library can provide. The expansion almost doubled the size of the library, increasing the building by 82,500 square feet and renovating existing space to increase access and provide new spaces for innovation, hands-on-learning, maker space, and flexible multi-use opportunities. An expansive new landscape wraps the building and carefully nests the new addition into the steep terrain of the site. Inspired by the geologic structure of the Ozark Mountain plateaus, the addition is elevated on a sculptural plinth that is integrated into the slope to retain the incredible views from the existing library and to ensure that physical trail connections to the future Frisco Park and Cultural Corridor are accessible and intuitive. Native plantings and forest gardens cloak the faceted topography.

Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas

Client: City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Public Library

Status: Completed in 2022

Area: 3 acres

Team: TEN x TEN, MSR Design, Ecological Design Group, Colburn Guyette, Mazzetti, Allison + Partners, Crossland Construction Company, Tatum Smith Welcher Engineers, MODUS, GreenScapes

Slideshow Photos: Gaffer Photography

Creative outdoor programming can host crowds both big and small. An adaptable multi-purpose space opens onto a .5-acre courtyard and gathering glade, hosting a limestone amphitheater and event lawn. The gathering glade allows for more outdoor programmable space like farmer’s markets, Summer Reading Club kick-off, and community events. The courtyard is surrounded by native forest and prairie garden plantings, that create an intimate and quiet space elevated from the street that can be easily monitored. Wood benches are nestled throughout the gardens for quiet outdoor reading opportunities. A teaching kitchen and café open onto a deli patio and tree grove adjacent to the main entrance on South School Ave. Additional surface parking was added at the south end of the site.

The outdoor spaces allow the library to engage the unique natural landscapes of northwestern Arkansas and take the learning environment outside. In the Natural State, technology, and nature don’t have to be mutually exclusive.