extraordinary methods
Year May 2021
Program Library-Museum
Location Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee
Studio Maged Guirguis
Design through nature forms an interesting collision of elements in the traditional and digital design worlds. Taking these elements as a starting point in a design process allows for a greater understanding of structures such as the doubly lined curves that form limes. Studying the lime's sole existence, collision and duplication, and the negative space their removal creates aided in designing accessible spaces.
This public library was designed to encourage the community to seek out and engage with the resources of knowledge. The design emphasizes entryways to the public passersby. Divided into three floors with a basement and underground garage, the programmatic elements flow through the entirety of the space and become more restricted or enclosed as one rises up; therefore, louder, more public spaces like a cafe and the front desk are located on the first floor and reading rooms, galleries, and offices are placed at higher levels.
The atrium is the defining center of the space. It allows for a grand spiral staircase centered below the central skylight. The space is defined by the users, lounge areas, coffee shops, reading rooms, a gift shop, and more. As one reaches higher elevations, the program becomes more specific being wrapped with bookshelves, study spaces, offices and exhibition spaces.