In 2008, the Indianapolis Public Library system opened the Central Library’s
new 276,000-square-foot (25,640-m2) expansion. As the hub of the Marion County
Public Library system in Indianapolis, Central Library supports 22 branches and
provides services such as bookmobiles, school and community activities, media
rental, adult research material and advanced technology accessibility to the
community.
The addition was conceived as a contrast to the original limestone library that was designed by architect Paul Cret and built during World War I. The addition architect-Woollen, Molzan and Partners Inc., Indianapolis-didn’t want to duplicate the style and materials of the 1917 Beaux- Arts building, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The architect felt it would dilute and diminish the building’s character, confusing visitors to what was original versus what was new. Hunt Construction Group, Indianapolis, was the construction manager for the project.
“It was of key importance to not simply replicate the historic architecture; that would likely confuse and potentially diminish it,” said Laurence O’Connor, AIA, partner at Woollen, Molzan and Partners. “The plan became to create a distinct contrast and create a transition from the old to the new while maintaining the message of the library’s mission to the community. Going a step further, the library anchors the north end of the historic American Legion Mall and forms a metaphorical bookend.”
The original facility has a grand front entrance with exterior details. Inside, the majestic main delivery room has ceiling paintings and two great reading rooms on either side. The new north entrance provides a second access to the overall complex. The project included 56,224 square feet (5,223 m2) of historic renovation, 237,069 square feet (22,024 m2) of additional library space and an 183,155-square-foot (17,016-m2) underground parking garage.
The six-story stainless-steel and glass tower is taller and wider than the original building, presenting itself as a backdrop when viewed from the long civic mall south of the complex. The new tower is separated from the original building by a steel and glass atrium, featuring an artful display of steel columns. The white painted steel structural tube arches are made of HSS 8 5/8- by 1/2-inch (219- by 13-mm) from General Steel of Indianapolis. The tallest arch is 64 feet (20 m).
Viracon, Owatonna, Minn., supplied the Low-E insulated clear laminated glass on the north exposure and the Low-E insulated Evergreen glass on the south exposure. ASI Limited Building Enclosure Specialists, Whitestown, Ind., manufactured 57,000 square feet (5,295 m2) of curtainwalls for the project. The 5,040 square feet (468 m2) of sidewalls of the atrium are cable-supported glass walls from Novum Structures LLC, Menomonee Falls, Wis., which feature clear low-iron laminated glass by Pilkington, Toledo, Ohio.
“For the selection of the exterior material, stainless steel was seen as a 21st century material, timeless and permanent as the original limestone, and it is low maintenance,” O’Connor said. “The panels make an excellent weathering barrier protecting the building moisture membrane. The reflectivity of the panels lets the mood of the ever changing sky and weather conditions play upon the building, creating natural visual interest.”
LinEl Signature, Mooresville, Ind., formed and fabricated the 55,000-square-foot (5,110-m2) metal wall system. LinEl’s Panel Series 4000 system has a rainscreen design and is ventilated with a back-drained cavity. It utilizes a large deep gutter to control heavy precipitation, while the panels are connected to the vertical gutter with a hidden pin connection. Both f at and radi used panels are used on the projects with an embossed linen or polished finish. The advantage of the rainscreen is that the metal cladding can bear the brunt of the wind, rain and ultraviolet exposure while protecting the ultimate weather membrane behind it.
Stainless steel was chosen as a permanent, low-maintenance material. Both mirror polish and textured panels are used in the rainscreen, with the textured panels marking the floor levels and the mirror panels completing the higher floors. The textured panels are also used at the base of the building to ward off graffiti.
“There are several advantages of a rainscreen panel assembly, including that it provides a water resistant cladding without any reliance on joint sealants, which require periodic maintenance,” O’Connor said. “The vented rainscreen system avoids temperature extremes and humidity stagnation, and the ultimate moisture barrier behind the rainscreen is shielded from direct exposure to the weather and sun.”
Immediately north and connected to the library tower is an oval auditorium that is also completely clad in stainless-steel panels that are slightly curved to match the shape of the auditorium.
The expansion allowed for significant growth of the library’s collection of more than 1 million items. The fully accessible facility has a dynamic children’s area that encourages literacy and critical thinking and accommodates class visits, family activities and story hours. Two new features of the new library are its high-technology/multimedia facilities- including instructional labs and individual user labs, multimedia systems, a 325-seat auditorium and comprehensive online services-and the advanced Family Information Center, which includes innovative children’s event facilities, craft rooms, tutorial areas, multimedia facilities, a theater and interactive exhibit areas.
ASI Limited Building
Enclosure Specialists
LinEl Signature
Novum Structures LLC
Pilkingto
Viracon
