Local Library is a LEED Platinum Diamond in the Rough

Channel glass illuminates the interior of the <a href="http://www.lapl.org/branches/Branch.php?bID=72">Silver Lake Library</a> with day light, helping the local library earn its <a href="http://inhabitat.com/la/tag/leed-platinum/">LEED Platinum</a> certification. The library, designed by <a href="http://m2a-architects.com/">M2A Architects</a>, features a 45 foot high channel glass spine that serves a dual purpose, creating a public plaza that embraces the larger community while creating a welcome backdrop for the library’s primary public spaces including the reading room. In addition, the split-level design allows for plenty of subterranean parking while the plaza provides for a clean connection to the pedestrian street traffic, encouraging participation of the community in library activities such as book fairs.

The site of the library at the west corner of Silver Lake and Glendale Boulevards was previously occupied by a Chevron Station that was later repurposed as a site of local Halloween pumpkin and Christmas Tree sales. Five key goals were implemented into the overall design of the finished project:

1. is a building that meets all City of Los Angeles Library Department standards and is a visual asset for the community.

2. provides a healthy and productive indoor environment through the incorporation of daylight; views; low emitting materials;’ effective ventilation; system controllability; indoor chemical and pollutant source control; and carbon dioxide monitoring.

3. is a building that is a good neighbor through light pollution prevention and heat island minimization.

4. is a building that minimizes water and sewer expenses through native and drought-tolerant plants, an efficient irrigation system, and a reduction in indoor water use.

5. is a building that uses materials that minimize their impact on the environment because they utilize recycled content, are rapidly renewable, and are locally manufactured.