Los Gatos Library / The Town of Los Gatos revitalized its civic core by replacing its 45-year-old library with a new community centerpiece, prioritizing enduring connections to the Town's Civic Center and historic Pageant Park. JLJA's design included three outdoor spaces with distinctive users and experiences: Entry Plaza, Children’s Garden, and Reading Courtyard. The two courtyards feature custom features such as a retaining wall in the shape of book spines with titles of children's classics in bronze, an alphabet in various fonts and colors arcing along the ground plane on pavers and seating, and a drift of bronze oak leaves with donor names mounted to a wall. Certified LEED® Gold, the design successfully manages stormwater run-off, minimizes heat-island effect in the parking lot, and protects existing habitat and on-site heritage trees. JLJA's design also preserved the memory of the historic site by salvaging and reusing walls and tiles as building materials.
Photo: Holly Lepere, Lepere Studio
Client: Town of Los Gatos
Location: Los Gatos, CA
Dates: 2008-2012
Size: 2.1 acres
Cost: $12.7 million
Architect: Noll & Tam Architects
Civil Engineer: Sandis Engineers
Contractor: Bogard Construction
Recognition: LEED® Gold Certification, AIA California Council 2013 Sustainability Merit Award
Photo: Holly Lepere, Lepere Studio