To meet the Baltimore Elementary School’s goal of improving literacy through independent study in a more flexible space, W’s “learning landscape” incorporates adventure and discovery. A large “park bench” doubles as a casual reading area facing the window and a docking area for computer workstations. Nine wall clocks show the time in Baltimore and in eight sister cities around the world. Behind the librarian, a former door to the space becomes a corridor display window, highlighting special reading materials, and enticing curious passing students to visit. Much of the existing furniture and shelving is adapted for reuse, while the design also adds important new storage space hidden behind the green wall. New lighting, solar shading outside the windows and a new more efficient HVAC system help save energy.
Coordinating with Baltimore Head Librarian of Schools, W also met challenges for supervision and visibility requirements in the 2016sf space completing the renovation within the budget of $370,000.
