Conyers-Rockdale Library Teen Space

Awarded: IIDA Carolinas Chapter, Designworks Awards, “Beauty on a Budget” Honorable Mention, 2022

Located in an Atlanta suburb, the Conyers-Rockdale Library (formerly Nancy Guinn Memorial Library), was originally built in 1989 and lacked a dedicated space to support the needs of their young adult population. The library challenged the design team to create an inviting, energized, destination space for teens. After assessing the current space utilization and programmatic goals, an awkwardly shaped, poorly-lit corner of the library was chosen as the canvas.

Within the constraints of the existing structure, new angular bulkheads define spatial zones, create a sense of progression, and provide visual interest in the ceiling plane. Expanding and constricting, the bulkheads work in tandem to provide order to the irregularly shaped space while allowing the floor plane to remain unobstructed. The minimal use of walls allows for views of the park from any location. As bulkheads engage with vertical elements the color spills down from the ceiling to create dimension within the volume.

Ceiling baffles enhance the acoustic quality while the increasing saturation and density of the elements guide patrons to the living room. Study niches and a canopy lounge create personal scale within the open area. Intentionally flexible furniture solutions, sprinkled in saturated blue and green hues, can shift within the space to support a variety of functions as needs change throughout the day. The green screen facilitates content creation but can also serve as general lounge seating when recording is not taking place. From a variety of postures available, the users can choose the setting that best supports their goals for the visit.