10 years, 10 Laudable Library-Located EGD Projects
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Scroll through the slideshow above to see laudable library-located experiential graphic design projects spanning 2009 to 2019.
We searched our archives, kept track of recent library developments and consulted experts—keep reading for a list of laudable library-located experiential graphic design projects spanning from 2009 to 2019, with one representing each of the past 10 years.
This list has been compiled from the SEGD.org site and top recommendations and is presented in chronological order.
2009
Agave Library | Phoenix, Ariz. | Will Bruder + Partners
The library is situated on a blighted wasteland between a residential neighborhood and a strip mall, and behind a carwash; never one to balk at a challenge, the Bruder team found the solution in signage—specifically, a modern version of a western cowboy façade—a 207-ft.-long oversized scrim, which simply declares “Agave.”
Article
2010
Plainsboro Public Library | Plainsboro, N.J. | Poulin+Morris, BKSK Architects
Poulin + Morris devised a color-coded wayfinding program to activate the space. Stack ends, for example, are clearly labeled in color-coded vertical vinyl lettering. TheSans typeface in upper- and lowercase letters is used throughout the signage program for ease of readability.
Article | Case Study | Case Study
2011
Vancouver Community Library | Vancouver, Wash. | Mayer/Reed, AldrichPears Associates
The Vancouver Library building is the cornerstone of a planned four-block, mixed-use development. Sculptural letters spelling out “Library” invite interaction from visitors young and old in a celebration of literacy. Painted in lime-green, the stainless steel letters introduce the play of bold color, form and scale in the wayfinding system.
2014 Merit Award | Article | Case Study
2012
Stanmore Public School Library | Sydney | Frost*collective, Neeson Murcutt Architects
Frost* helped bring the new library building to life with environmental graphics utilizing a bright color palette and playful typography. Colorful signage and custom-printed recycled carpet tiles bring a sense of fun to the interior, while large-scale quotes painted onto an external walkway animate the journey through the playground.
News | Article
2013
Library of Birmingham | The Pavilion | Birmingham, England | Morag Myerscough, Luke Morgan
Designer Morag Myerscough collaborated with artist and designer Luke Morgan to install The Pavilion as part of a 18-week series of events exploring the ongoing relevance of libraries in the enormous lobby of the library in Birmingham, England, which was completed earlier that summer by Dutch studio Mecanoo.
Article | Article | Article | Article
2014
East Hampton Library | Children’s Reading Room | East Hampton, N.Y. | SKOLNICK
The multi-award-winning interior design and environmental graphics of the Reading Room reference the heritage of the island’s East End. Icons of the East End such as lighthouses, windmills and boats are expressed in the interior design. The Early Childhood Room features bookshelves in the shape of oversized letterforms.
News | Case Study
2015
Hyundai Card Music Library | Seoul | Gensler
In an effort to offer new experiences and elevate its brand, Hyundai Card developed this unique Music Library—home to one of the largest specialized music collections in the world—to appeal to a broad section of consumers and connoisseurs alike. Design choices echo the texture and imperfection of the analog media it celebrates.
2016 Merit Award | Article | Case Study
2016
Boston Public Library | Shakespeare Unauthorized | Boston | C&G Partners
Elements evocative of both stagecraft and bookbinding were used to delineate space; printed theatrical scrim with innovative projections were strategically arrayed so visitors can dramatically see one another as they move through exhibition sections. Digital interactive kiosks on view allowed visitors to dive deeper.
Case Study | News
2017
Austin Central Library | Austin, Texas | fd2s, Lake Flato Architects
Nearly a decade in the making, the Austin Central Library project involved expanding a sign standard into a wayfinding program that complements the architecture, and helps visitors navigate and revel in the multi-level interior. fd2s also conceived interactive placemaking elements that evoke a sense of play.
Article | Case Study
2018
Library of Congress | Washington | Pentagram
The world’s largest library, The Library of Congress, offers access to the creative record of the United States and materials from around the globe. Paula Scher, FSEGD designed a new bookshelf-inspired brand identity and dynamic logotype that touches every aspect of the Library, including environmental graphics and signage.
Case Study
2019
Calgary Central Library | Calgary, Alberta | Entro, Snøhetta, DIALOG
Architecture, materials, environmental graphics and programming combine to inspire a sense of discovery, inclusion and history. This is not just a place where you go to find a book: this is where the community gathers, teens can do gaming, businesses can book rooms and classrooms can be used for community teachings.
2019 Merit Award | Case Study | News
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