Project name: Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library Renovation
Project overview: The Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library is located in Nubian Square, the heart of Boston’s historic Black community. Designed in 1978 by Kallmann and McKinnell Architects, it was conceived of as an introvert in the Brutalist style. This 27,000 square foot renovation
includes a revitalized community room with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, new lighting, and large windows overlooking a new entrance and plaza. New programs include a technology teaching lab, a nutrition lab featuring a full kitchen, and a dedicated, prominently located African American collection. Expanded computer stations and laptop availability provide access to technology throughout the library.
Project location: Roxbury, Massachusetts
Firm name: Utile, Inc.
Completion: 2020
Client: City of Boston Public Facilities Department and the Boston Public Library
Jury comments: In one word, this building is transformative. This building demonstrates a good model for how to transform brutalist buildings, of which Boston has so many. Its “outside-in” experience is enhanced by the view of the canopy of the interior “trees” from outside. One can see how the community is involved in this space. Overall, the project required a lot of community engagement, evident in its community-driven programming, like the Nutrition Lab.
Structural Engineer: RSE Associates Structural Engineer: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Landscape Architecture: Richard Burck Associates Civil Engineer: Samiotes Consultants, Inc. Lighting Design: Sladen Feinstein Integrated Lighting Acoustical Engineering: Acentech Code Consultant: Building, Fire & Access, Inc. Specifications: Kalin Associates Hazardous Materials Consultant: Smith & Wessel Associates, Inc.
