A local public library might not seem like the place for stunning architecture, but in one East Bay town, the local public library is a true architectural gem.
Designed by KFA architect from Los Angeles, this local library and learning center cost $30 million to build and opened in 2010.
The outside is fairly unassuming, but inside, it uses a unique architectural style to capture the essence of the Bay Area.
The Lafayette Library and Learning Center
This dramatic public library is located in Lafayette, California. It’s built on a hill, and the architects say that it deliberately embraces the sloping topography of its site, with an outdoor amphitheater and pathway.
The real drama is on the inside, though. Massive beams jut out from a central point, holding up the gigantic roof. Skylights let in natural light, and there’s a giant solar array outside.
Craftsmanship, Updated
The design of the central pillars is meant to echo the distinctive Bay Area architectural style, which draws on California’s century-old, Craftsman architecture.
Exposed beams, giant fasteners, thick wood, and a practical, inviting design are hallmarks of the Craftsman style. You can see original examples around the Lake Tahoe area, as well as in many homes in Berkeley, California.
Lafayette Library reinterprets the style with dramatic, starline columns. It’s a neat way to update the Bay Area classic for modern times.
It’s also, like many Craftsman-inspired structures, a very practical place to hang out. There is a reading nook for kids, shaped like the Big Dipper, a shaded patio, and more.
Because it’s a public library, you can stop by anytime and check it out! If you find yourself in the East Bay, make sure to stop by and maybe grab a book to take with you.
