How do you design a library that feels like it belongs to everyone? The North Boulder Library, designed by New York-based architecture firm WORKac, answers this with a creative yet thoughtful approach. As public architecture evolves, libraries have emerged as symbols of civic values—open, inclusive and adaptive to the changing needs of their communities. A library today aims to inspire, educate and unite, serving as both a cultural hub and a model of sustainable design. The North Boulder Library embodies these ideals, offering a space that is as functional as it is welcoming. Located on a triangular plot with sweeping views of the Boulder Flatirons, the library has been a long-anticipated addition to the community.

This project, over eight years in the making, began with an open request for proposal in 2018. Boulder residents waited for over two decades for a branch library in North Boulder in Colorado, United States, and their input was central to the design process. The American architects embraced a participatory approach, conducting a three-year community engagement and site planning process, including over 20 public presentations. This effort ensured that the final design would not only meet but exceed the expectations of the neighbourhood. "Today and every day we endeavour to render architecture more human, to turn the pragmatic fantastic and to reclaim the ‘best’ in ‘best practice’ away from the technocratic and towards the creative," says Amale Andraos and Dan Wood, co-founders of WORKac in their official statement.

This library design is a thoughtful response to its geographical and social context. Boulder’s unique position at the intersection of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains has historically influenced its vernacular architecture, and the library continues this tradition. The building’s irregular geometry, defined by triangular forms, mirrors its site’s shape and integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Preserving mountain views and minimising visual impact on neighbouring properties, the library architecture prioritises harmony with the environment. A seasonal creek running through the site is protected by a rainwater garden planted with native, butterfly-attracting flora that mitigates runoff.

Sustainability was a key focus, woven into multiple aspects of the public design. The rooftop solar array generates a significant portion of its energy needs, meeting Boulder’s stringent green building regulations. Additionally, the rainwater garden preserves the site’s ecological balance and reduces reliance on municipal water systems. Materials were chosen for their durability and low environmental impact, ensuring the building’s longevity and reducing its carbon footprint.

The community architecture project’s layout enhances its connection to the community. Despite its modest size, it includes four entrances and a variety of public spaces, allowing it to interact dynamically with its surroundings. Each level of the library has been designed to serve specific functions. The ground floor features the Maker Kitchen, which connects to an edible garden and playground. This level reflects the community’s desire for a space that fosters creativity and sustainability, with an emphasis on hands-on learning.

The main public floor is a hub of activity, with distinct spaces for adults and children. Custom-designed areas include a large reading room for adults, a children’s area with a private nook for storytelling and a playful slide accessible through a rope climbing structure, ensuring that younger visitors have spaces tailored to their needs. This level also provides expansive views of the mountains through large windows, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

The second floor houses major community spaces and is accessible via a fully integrated ramp. A key architectural feature, the ramp enables these areas to remain open at night for programs such as ESL classes. A public art installation by Montreal-based Daily tous les jours enhances the ramp, playing music as users ascend or descend. This interactive element adds a playful and engaging dimension to the building’s design.

The interior design prioritises usability while incorporating imaginative and eye-catching elements. Custom details, such as wallpaper designed by graphic designer Andrew Freeman, principal at afreeman design, celebrate Boulder’s Indigenous heritage and history. Exposed ceiling structures improve acoustic performance while contributing to the building’s modern aesthetic. The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is evident throughout the library, from the edible garden to the windows framing natural vistas. The unpretentious design by the American practice fosters a sense of freedom, inviting individuals to use the space and truly engage with it.

The inclusion of key programs like Boulder Reads, which supports literacy development for children and adults, and the Maker Kitchen, which emerged from community input, combining the vision of a maker space with the concept of a shared kitchen and garden. These spaces represent a deep commitment to creating an inclusive environment where residents can learn, create and connect. "Our greatest delight is for others to feel a sense of joy, of belonging, and possibilities for the future," the architects shared in the press release, summarising their vision for the project.

WORKac’s approach stands out for its emphasis on collaboration and contextual design. Their previous projects, including the Kew Gardens Hills Library in Queens and the Miami Museum Garage, highlight their ability to blend pragmatism with creativity. For this project, the architects proposed a vision of an iconic building not through overt visual spectacle but through its positive environmental and social impact. This ethos resonated with Boulder Public Library, which funded the project entirely through city resources. The firm’s portfolio continues to expand, with current projects including the Beirut Art Museum in Lebanon and the renovation of Vassar College’s main library.

The library’s setting further enhances its role as a community anchor. Situated within a diverse neighbourhood that includes young professionals, art studios, galleries and two manufactured home communities with Boulder’s largest Spanish-speaking population, it serves as a unifying space. Its design reflects the practice’s commitment to creating architecture that fosters civic responsibility and encourages a sense of ownership among its users.

While the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated scaling back some features, the library remains a reflection of mindful and contextual design. The project’s ability to balance functionality, community engagement and environmental considerations underscores the potential of public architecture to address complex challenges and inspire collective action. Each element—from its integration with natural surroundings to its innovative use of space—celebrates the community it serves while looking towards a sustainable future. The North Boulder Library stands as a model for equitable public design, proving that thoughtful architecture can create lasting, meaningful change.

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