Clifford V. Gayley, AIA, LEED AP, a Principal of William Rawn Associates led 22 CAH members around the new Main Cambridge Public Library. At the beginning of the tour the group discovered that one of the CAH members in attendance was Cliff's former professor! This was not surprising as CAH membership includes many educators and engaged community members.
The tour started downstairs in one of the fabulous new lecture halls where the group viewed slides of the project's progression over the last several years. Mr. Gayley explained that the decision was made not to match the aesthetic of the old building, but to design a building that would be equally appropriate for its time.
The project included a significant renovation of a 4 acre City Park surrounding the library. The preserved open space is over six times the footprint of the library. The building features a transparent double skin facade designed to celebrate its relationship to the park and give the building an open, welcoming feel.
The highlight of the tour for many of us was the Children's floor. We were greeted at the lowered reception desk by a hampster running around on his wheel. The room featured bamboo floors, a colorful, forest like ceiling and, a textured "stone" carpet where we observed an informal book reading and many gleeful children playing with toys.
Mr. Gayley told the group that since the opening of the new main library building, book circulation has doubled. After visiting, we can understand why this has become such a popular destination and look forward to using this space frequently for gatherings in the future!