Castle Pines Branch Library

Over the course of several years, AMD designed three new libraries for the communities of Parker, Castle Pines, and Lone Tree in Douglas County. Each of these libraries reflect the values of the specific community while communicating the library district’s mission to “elevate our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery, and connection.” The Castle Pines Branch Library creates a true city square while providing a civic building that also houses the City of Castle Pines Administrative offices.

Located at the heart of Castle Pines’ commercial center, the design of Castle Pines library extends beyond the building to provide an improved vehicular and pedestrian experience. A landscaped median and the development of legible “paseos” between adjacent buildings enhance the visitor experience. Within the building, a clear plan organization provides clear delineation based on program function; support spaces are located to the east, collections, seating and collaboration spaces are in the middle, civic spaces are located to the west.

Located on a sloping site, the existing site topography is embraced and telegraphed in the building, yielding a series of split-level conditions that create dynamic spatial experiences. The entry lobby spans the building vertically, framed by two transparent collaboration spaces. A sun-lit café greets the visitor as they navigate a building that leverages natural light, view lines, and split levels to create varied experiences.

In collaboration with studiotrope Design Collective