DC Public Libraries
The DC Public Library (DCPL) system operates the Martin Luther King Central Library in Northwest DC as well as 24 neighborhood branches throughout the city. For this project, Forrester constructed four new libraries for DCPL in the Anacostia, Benning, Tenleytown-Friendship Heights and Shaw neighborhoods. Each library offers patrons access to free wi-fi, computers, conference rooms, quiet study areas, meeting rooms, children’s programs and more than 80,000 books, CDs, DVDs and other media.
Sustainability was a focus of each of these projects with all four libraries achieving LEED™ Gold certification upon completion. The facilities’ sustainable features include green roofs, daylight harvesting, solar panels, occupancy sensors, individually controllable lighting and HVAC systems and energy efficient raised-floor designs. The libraries’ architecture and design made extensive use of renewable and recycled materials. For example, the Benning Library façade is comprised almost entirely of recycled copper panels.
Project Location:
Washington, DC
Architect:
Davis, Brody, Bond Aedas | The Freelon Group
Size:
107,000 SF
Highlights:
LEED Gold
Awards:
- Associated General Contractors Washington Contractor Award
- AIA Washington DC Design Award
- Developers and Builders Alliance Community Advancement Award, Best Developments of the Year, USA & Canada
- ENR Mid-Atlantic Construction Award
- NAIOP Award of Excellence
- North American Copper in Architecture Award
- Urban Land Institute Top 10 Buildings in Washington DC
- Washington Building Congress Craftsmanship Award
