The building’s upper level is rotated 90 degrees relative to its ground level, creating opportunities for three outdoor spaces: a ground-level entry plaza, a reading area with native plants and a 1,500-gallon water retention cistern, and horticultural classroom on the rooftop.
The first floor of this new steel-framed building houses the collections and a variety of programming; the second floor includes a creativity lab, offices, and a meeting room that doubles as a performance space. Both the south and west sides of the library have full-height glazing with overhanging facade elements attached back to the roof perimeter.
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The building’s upper level is rotated 90 degrees relative to its ground level, creating opportunities for three outdoor spaces: a ground-level entry plaza, a reading area with native plants and a 1,500-gallon water retention cistern, and horticultural classroom on the rooftop.
In addition to the library superstructure, Silman provided services related to the design of a rooftop solar panel system that is integrated into the mechanical unit support framing. The Greenpoint Library & Environmental Education Center has a LEED Platinum certification goal.
