Site Selection Libraries

Site Selection for Libraries

Site Selection for Libraries. 2002. This material has been created by Lisa Padilla, AIA and provided through the Libris Design Project [http://www.librisdesign.org/], supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. Any use of this material should credit the author and funding source.

Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... .....1 2. SITE CONTEXT....................................................................................................................... .......2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5

GEOGRAPHY......................................................................................................................................2 LAND ACQUISITION ...........................................................................................................................3 SOIL AND SITE INFRASTRUCTURE..........................................................................................................4 SITE TOPOGRAPHY.............................................................................................................................6 APPROVALS.......................................................................................................................................8

3. SITE FIT........................................................................................................................................ ...8 3.1 MEASURING A PROJECT’S SIZE............................................................................................................8 3.2 DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS............................................................................................................11 4. ACCESSIBILITY......................................................................................................................... ..13 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

VEHICULAR ACCESS.........................................................................................................................14 MASS TRANSIT................................................................................................................................14 PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLES.............................................................................................................15 UNIVERSAL ACCESS.........................................................................................................................15 SERVICE ACCESS ............................................................................................................................15

5. SITE ORIENTATION.......................................................................................... .........................16 5.1 SOLAR AND WIND ORIENTATION........................................................................................................16 5.2 VIEWS............................................................................................................................................17 6. SUMMARY............................................................................................................. .......................18 7. GLOSSARY OF SITE PLANNING TERMINOLOGY................................................. .............19 8. SITE EVALUATION CRITERIA.......................................................................................... .......21

1.

INTRODUCTION Libraries manifest a community’s intellectual and cultural identity. They are a place for learning and a repository for a community’s past. In both capacities, libraries draw a broad cross section of a community to their doors. For many the library is a regular destination. A visit to the library is shaped by the intellectual adventure that comes from using the collection. Equally important is the physical experience of the building and of its surrounding landscape. We can surmise why patrons go the library, but the experience of their arrival and the quality of the spaces, sounds, and light once they are inside is the province of library design. Most everyone can recall his or her first library visit. Mine began on a warm summer day when my mother drove a mile or so and brought us to a building about the size of a local business like a barbershop. The structure, a green stucco box with white-trimmed windows, fronted a major thoroughfare, the route for an increasing number of cars travelling in and around a growing suburban community. Once inside, the street noise subsided and I discovered a series of intimate spaces including a children’s corner where low, wooden shelves held books that were easy for me to reach. Wood venetian blinds, dark like the book shelves, filtered natural light in a pattern of stripes that fell on the books in an intriguing way. I recall our exit through the storefront door, seeing an elementary school across the street, and knowing that I would join the big kids soon. I recall as well the narrow sidewalk we then negotiated and the sense that the entrance was a refuge from cars whizzing by. As this vignette suggests, library design begins with a place, a plot of ground, a parcel or lot, its topography, the surrounding neighborhood, and a larger context of transportation, zoning and land use, and even climate. And yet, every location has specific attributes. Analysing these is a critical first step in the process of determining what a library will look like and what the patrons’ experience of that place will be. Site analysis should address a series of issues: Is the size of the parcel sufficient to accommodate the program? Is the site convenient for potential library patrons? Is it proximate to other public institutions? Will the site afford the kind of visual prominence required to enhance the library’s programs? Will the soil support the type of structure you would like to construct? Although the library building can be remodelled and modified over time, many aspects of its site cannot be changed. An appropriate site can promote patronage and improve the likelihood that those who use the library will enjoy the experience and have a lifetime of positive associations. There are several factors that should be considered during site selection for a library. These include the availability of land and its acquisition, soil conditions, accessibility, climate, and legal issues such as approvals for use and construction. Each of these factors will affect a library’s real and perceived success whether success is measured in terms of the quality of the design, construction cost, meeting the budget and building schedule, or patronage. This essay will provide a general introduction to these issues and will suggest additional factors, such as local politics, that must be taken into account for site planning and library design.

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2.

SITE CONTEXT

2.1

Geography Finding the proper site for a library is contingent upon understanding whom the library might be serving. A central library, used by patrons from adjacent areas as well as by those who might come a great distance, is usually sited in relation to major civic facilities. Branch libraries might also be placed in a satellite civic center. Often, however, the location of a branch library will be determined by its service area, the zone a majority of patrons most likely will come from. (This concept is similar to the retailers’ “catchment area.”) Another determining factor is the availability of land and its cost. These constraints vary by locality and their relative weight will vary depending on whether a library is to be sited in a city or in a more rural area. Generally, a central library in a large or mid-sized city should be in close proximity to other civic institutions such as a city hall, cultural centers, major open spaces (plazas and parks), and educational facilities (high schools, a college or university). This type of clustering creates a density of public and civic activity and enhances the relative status of each institution. Together, these buildings and uses create a central place and can serve as a city’s core.

Figure 1: Library within a civic center As important as centrality is for site selection, it is not a simple criterion. Centrality can be measured by distance, by accessibility (the hub of a regional transportation system), by relative density, by population distribution, or by proximity to other land uses such as schools. Siting libraries close to schools can provide students enhanced access to books, computers, and special learning programs. But centrality is also perceptual and there may not be an overwhelming consensus on where the center is in a large city or metropolitan

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region. When evaluating different sites in the selection process each of these issues must be considered.

Figure 2: Factors determining centrality differ by criteria of measurement A vital resource for any such analysis is the United States Census. In some regions, Census 2000 recorded rapid demographic change. This information can be invaluable when analysing current patterns and future need. Additional data on demographics and urban growth can be obtained from the State of California Department of Finance, local planning agencies, and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). A demographic study of current population and expected growth conducted as part of a needs assessment can provide valuable decision-making data as part of the site selection process.

2.2

Land Acquisition Once a general area has been agreed upon for a new library, a specific site must be secured. It is important at this point to have an understanding of the library building program. How many square feet should the structure be? Will it be constructed in phases? Will the facility be expanded over time? (See Section 3, Site Fit.) Many cities and counties own or have options on parcels of land that are being held for future development. Often municipally-owned land is a likely site for library construction and research into municipal ownership of appropriate parcels is a good first step. If there are no such sites available land must be acquired. When assessing multiple sites, the cost per acre is often a measure for comparison. Depending on local valuations and real estate economics, funding for land acquisition can be significant. Unless a city has funds set aside for this purpose, it is common to fund land purchase through a bond initiative. Either way, it is imperative that alternative sites are assessed using standard criteria. (See Section 9, Site Evaluation Criteria.) Another option is to lease land. However, even a long-term land lease will need to be renegotiated when the term expires. The downside is that a renegotiated lease might be at less advantageous terms than the original one. If the lease is between jurisdictions (e.g., a city leasing from a county) it may improve the likelihood that a subsequent agreement

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will be on similar terms. More recently, municipalities have begun working with developers to package projects that include public amenities such as libraries.

2.3

Soil and Site Infrastructure Understanding soil conditions, including the relative stability of the soil and its capacity to support a structure (bearing capacity), is an essential component in site selection. Before design consultants can begin their work the client should arrange for an engineer, or an engineering firm, to test the characteristics of the soil and to quantify their findings in terms of soil composition, bearing capacity, and erosion. These findings should be shared with the design consultant. Typically, geotechnical engineers extract core samples from a number of locations on the building site. These samples are then analysed to determine the precise composition of the soil and rock on the site. The exact locations for the core samples are selected so that the findings reveal the range of conditions across the site. While a construction system can be designed to make almost any parcel of land a buildable site, the composition of the soil and the location of bedrock (assuming there is bedrock) will influence the overall design of a structure and determine the options available for structural footings. The type of footings required has implications for building costs. How far footings need to extend to reach bedrock or whether site shoring and extensive site preparation are required will affect the overall budget. Each site is unique. When comparing different parcels in a given area, it is important to keep in mind that soil conditions can vary dramatically across adjacent or proximate sites. Even if conditions are roughly similar, a structural engineer needs a soils report for a specific site before designing footings and a foundation system for a building. A general rule of thumb is that a hillside site requires more expensive footings than a site with a more level grade. However, the cost of site engineering and footings should not be the sole determinant for site selection since a sloping site might afford views or may provide desired adjacency to complimentary land uses. In some cases, a hillside site may be on bedrock and could provide favorable conditions for footings and foundations.

Figure 3: Types of building footings On occasion, there may be an existing structure on a site under consideration for a library and analysis may determine the building must be demolished. In this case, the cost of demolition must be factored into the budget. If the prior use was for manufacturing or for certain noxious businesses such as a gas station, an automobile repair shop, or a dry cleaner for example, there may be residual chemicals or other toxic substances in the ground. These must be remediated before construction can begin on a replacement

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building. Site remediation can be costly and the procedure can add significant time to the project schedule. In older cities with a history of sequent land uses (residential, commercial, and industrial) soils tests may uncover artifacts from the past. These must be assessed for their archaeological value. A certified archaeological consultant can survey the nature, extent, and importance of the find. In some cases an existing structure can be renovated into a library. The process of adaptive reuse can transform existing buildings into new facilities different from the original intended use. This approach might save some initial cost otherwise spent on foundations and a building shell, but can involve costly upgrades in order to meet current code requirements. In some communities, reusing a historic structure means renewing an important cultural resource that can justify the additional cost of preserving and upgrading an older facility into a state of the art library. Infrastructure refers to the provision of services including but not limited to power for equipment, heating and cooling, water, data and telephone lines and the elimination of waste and storm runoff from the site. While assessing sites during the selection process one criteria should be the availability and location of infrastructure. Ideally, a potential site will have basic services provided up to the edge of the property line or along a public right-of-way. If a site is in a less developed area, services must be brought to the site from a remote location. The costs for making these connections and running services to the site must be factored into the project budget. On occasion, services and utilities already in place on a site may need to be relocated to accommodate the proposed building. Depending on the size of the project, electrical transformers and vaults may be required to control electrical power between a service point and the structure served. If electrical and telephone service are provided on overhead power lines, some jurisdictions require that these be buried underground as part of new construction on the site. While infrastructure systems are often buried, the cost for doing this work is not. To avoid such surprises, a site survey performed by a licensed civil engineer or land surveyor should be completed as soon as it is feasible to do so. This survey will call out existing property lines, easements and setbacks, site grades, existing structures (if any) and other landscape elements, and the location of existing underground and above grade utilities. Infrastructure (utilities) may come with easements that must be honored. (See Sections 3.2.3 and 3.2.4 on Easements and Dedications.)

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Figure 4: Library infrastructure needs

2.4

Site Topography Topography in this usage refers to the lay of the land. It is generally represented in site plans as a measure of the change in elevation from an established datum point. On a hilly site, for example, the elevation changes significantly over a short distance. The topographic characteristics of a site can be modified to accommodate structures and to provide for site drainage. This reworking of a site’s topography is called grading. Typically, grading consists of taking soil from an area (cut) and placing it somewhere else on the site (fill). The costs for grading can add up if there is a lot of soil to cut and fill or if large quantities of soil need to be removed from the site (exported) or brought in (imported).

Figure 5: Site Topography How water moves across a site is an important consideration for site selection and site planning. Drainage, permeability of the soil, and surface flow are important determinants for site grading. Grading alters the contour of the land and this is done to improve

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drainage. Rain water and the water from irrigation need to be controlled and in extreme cases, to be moved off the site. Excess water is usually brought to area drains. These may be located at multiple points on the site. Water collects in the drains and these are connected to a subterranean storm system and ultimately (in most cases) to a municipal main. Some jurisdictions will allow excess water to drain across the site and directly onto public streets. Once at the street, the water is picked up by a catch basin where it enters the storm system. Some water will percolate into the soil. On-site drainage systems are intended to limit the amount of percolation since an over-saturation of the soil can affect its bearing capacity and in the worse case, damage or undermine the structure’s foundation. Accessibility should be considered when assessing a hillside site since the slope may restrict arrival, departure, delivery and other vehicular and pedestrian access to the building. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that establishes minimum slopes to create access for those individuals who are mobility impaired. ADA requirements are in force wherever there is public access. If there is considerable change in topography from a parking lot to a library entrance for example, then access will need to be provided through ramps or a lift. (See Section 4 Accessibility.)

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2.5

Approvals Many jurisdictions have zoning and planning ordinances that limit the type and size of project that can be constructed in a given area. While evaluating potential sites it is important to assess whether or not a specific site will require special authorization by the city or county before either (or both) will approve construction. Libraries are broadly understood to be a civic amenity, so the issue most likely will not be whether a library is a good use. Rather, there may be concern as to what scale project is appropriate for a given site. Some cities have approved specific plans that fix allotted density and outline design guidelines for new projects as well as a process for securing approval for the proposed development. Approvals are required for major project milestones. This process may involve a local planning department and its zoning commission, a design review board, a public facilities commission, and a city council. Prior to this, the library’s board, trustees or governing body most likely will have authorized the project to proceed to the approvals stage at a defined size and budget. Any new building project must be evaluated in terms of its potential affect on the environment. (SPECIFIC TO CALIFORNIA) In California, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) defines a process for project assessment and the measure of environmental impact. Projects are evaluated according to scale, traffic implications, noise, view sheds, landscape, and infrastructure requirements. The environmental review process can take months to complete and ample time should be allocated for the preparation of documents, for obtaining public comment, and to determine impacts and mitigation measures. This should be done as soon as a site is selected and the mass and form of a project is defined; ideally once the schematic design is completed. Because CEQA is a regulated and legal process, it is best to obtain the advice of the planning jurisdiction regarding what environmental review is appropriate for a particular project.

3.

SITE FIT Measuring whether a candidate site is an appropriate scale for a specific library project should be done early in the evaluation process. There are two primary issues. First, the library’s proposed overall size needs to be defined. Second, the site’s development restrictions need to be assessed.

3.1

Measuring a Project’s Size 3.1.1Determining the overall size of the project

The library’s size, measured in square feet, is usually determined during the space programming phase of work by a programming consultant. If the space program is still in development, it may be possible to forecast a possible range of size; applying the maximum size in the range would be wise. Library space programs usually describe net program area, or net square feet (NSF = area of specific library functions such as reading rooms, stack areas, customer service and administrative offices, but do not include common building spaces like public circulation areas, restrooms, and mechanical rooms). The program will also define the gross program area, or gross square feet (GSF = a total

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measurement of everything that must be contained in a building). The gross square feet (GSF) is the only building measurement of concern during testing of the building’s fit on a site. This gross program area can then be arranged and assessed on candidate sites in a variety of building footprints.

Figure 6: Building program areas and potential building footprints 3.1.2Determining parking need

The amount of land needed to accommodate surface parking or a parking structure can be significant. Each vehicle can require between 300-350 square feet of space, depending on the stall size, circulation pattern and type of structure. Most libraries provide parking directly on-site, where it becomes a key siting issue that impacts overall site access, building orientation, and the location of the front door. In some urban areas, a project’s required parking can be provided at an adjacent, off-site facility. One option is to establish shared parking where adjacent commercial structures or educational institutions will allow use of their parking facilities if the library’s peak demand time is different from their own (e.g. a library busiest at night, during a time when retail stores are closed). The required number of parking stalls will be determined by the applicable local parking code. The city or county will have parking standards that define the number of stalls appropriate for a given land use, most often based on the project’s square footage or on the projected occupancy. The local parking code will also specify the number and apportioning of standard, compact, universally accessible, and even electric vehicle stalls that must be included in site improvements. It will also define minimum stall sizes and drive aisle widths. When assessing the overall land area needed for vehicles, note that parking structures can utilize land more efficiently, but will have substantial construction costs that must be accounted for in the early budgeting stages. Depending on the design of the structure, costs can range from $25,000-35,000 per stall. Libraries that have a history of heavy use and can afford the expense may want to provide additional parking above and beyond the required count in order to accommodate the high volume of patrons that isn’t necessarily tabulated in the local parking standards. Conversely, for a site that is close to public transit or is a viable walking destination in a community, the design team can argue that less parking is required since more patrons will arrive by means other than automobiles.

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Some jurisdictions allow a parking reduction in anticipation of increased transit use representing 5-10% fewer stalls than normally required.

Figure 7: Land utilization and parking alternatives for a site 3.1.3Allowing for site amenities

Open space is an important site amenity for public facilities. Outdoor areas for programmed activities, casual interaction and views can enhance entrances, reading rooms and areas designed for children. Whether designed gardens, courtyards or adjacent natural areas, open space provides a relationship to the landscape that can complement architecture. While gardens can be creatively designed from “leftover space,” they warrant attention during the conceptual design phase so as to assure ideal siting and proper budgeting. For example, sunny spaces (when temperatures are moderate) are natural places for people to congregate, and socialize. This suggests such spaces be sited with southern exposure. Shady seating areas are also desirable and can be provided under trees, or beneath a trellis, pergola or canopy. Water features are a desirable amenity that can add visual focus and delightful sound to a space.

Photographs of site amenities: (clockwise from upper left) a courtyard and garden with fountains, and the Los Angeles Central Library’s Maguire Gardens.

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3.1.4Thinking about future expansion

Public facilities are designed for long life spans during which there is usually a need to expand. Historically, libraries are not immune to this pattern, and many have built appendages reflecting various eras of growth and evolving attitudes about library design. Library expansions are usually necessary to house larger collections for a growing or changing population. Remodelling to upgrade an existing library for compliance with new seismic and accessibility codes can also result in major modifications and an opportunity to simultaneously enlarge the structure. When selecting a new site, it is prudent to think beyond the immediate project at hand (which can be daunting) to 20-30 years into the future. In the current context of information systems and patron services, many librarians are rethinking the relationship of collections to physical space. It is difficult for anyone to predict what the ideal library will look like in 2030. It is wise to consider expansion space, where feasible, when selecting a site today. It may accommodate new and complementary uses not envisioned by librarians and information specialists today.

3.2

Development Restrictions In more urban settings or special districts, development guidelines can define how much of the parcel is buildable and how large the building can be. Such guidelines can be obtained through the local zoning or planning office; staff can help interpret them. Outlined below are the more common restrictions that might be found. 3.2.1Floor Area Ratio

Development guidelines may specify the acceptable density that can be obtained on a site. The most common measurement of density is floor area ratio (FAR), which measures total building area to total buildable site area. For example, a proposed library of 20,000 square feet on a site of 10,000 square feet has a FAR of 2:1. Jurisdictions can set FARs that encourage or discourage higher density depending on the setting and future vision for a particular district.

Figure 8: Floor area ratio where both examples are shown on a 24,000 square foot site

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3.2.2Setbacks

Setbacks are buffer spaces that specify a distance back from a property line or an adjacent structure to where a new building can be located. Setbacks were originally developed to prevent a fire spreading across property lines from one structure to another. They also create yards and open space that can become desirable outdoor amenities. Often, the front, side and rear property line setbacks vary. Sometimes a proposed building can encroach a limited amount on a setback if certain modifications are made to the design of the exterior walls, windows, and doors to increase their fire rating. Development guidelines often define setbacks to meet aesthetic objectives. For example, along a major commercial corridor, it may be desirable for all new buildings to be setback a consistent distance to allow more light to reach the street. If there aren’t applicable guidelines, the local building code usually specifies setback requirements that meet basic life safety purposes.

3.2.3Easements

Easements can apply where there are major utilities that require access for service. They can exist around utility poles or below ground utility lines and vaults. They are essentially zones within a site that cannot be built upon. Easements can also be required for existing or future transit.

3.2.4Dedications

Dedications are portions of a site that are required to be turned over to public land prior to development proceeding. They most often apply when a jurisdiction is planning future widening of a street and asks for a dedication to allow for a future traffic lane. While the land owner must cede the dedication, sometimes there is flexibility as to when the land is actually taken and used for the intended public use.

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Figure 9: Setbacks, easements and dedications

3.2.5Height Restrictions

Local codes and guidelines often specify a height limitation by building type or by district. They can define number of stories allowed or a maximum overall building height in feet. In areas where there is a specific desired urban form along a commercial corridor, height limitations can be defined in a stair stepping manner. In other words, a low height may be promoted nearest the street edge with more height allowed further back from the street. Height restrictions combined with required setbacks begin to define the building envelope, within which the new structure must remain.

Figure 10: Height restriction and building envelope

3.2.6Variances

It might be reassuring to know that when assessing a site for a future library, some of the local restrictions can be revised or waived for a particular project if there is a compelling reason. Most jurisdictions allow variances from applicable guidelines after the project goes through a review and approval process that includes opportunities for public input. It is prudent during the early conceptual design phase of a new library to discuss design compliance with the local planning agency so that a realistic course can be set for obtaining project approval.

4.

ACCESSIBILITY The entry sequence from the neighborhood, street, sidewalk, or parking lot to the library front door (or main entrance) should be designed with patrons’ needs foremost in mind. In the interest of open and full access to public buildings, Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These regulations include standards that ensure the path of arrival to the library front door is well marked, legible, and serves the requirements of all patrons. The front door is also an important civic symbol and the design of both the door and the approach to it should take into account the quality and character of this transition from the world outside the library to the distinctive realm within. The design team can address both practical and symbolic requirements by siting the library entry to ensure maximum visibility.

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4.1

Vehicular Access Library staff and patrons often arrive by automobile. The relationship between parking (whether open lot or in a parking structure) and the library entry is an important aspect in site planning. In some cases it may be advantageous to place parking behind the building and keep the library and its main entry closer to the street and sidewalk. This relationship might be especially important in a setting where adjacent buildings are set close to the street and the library siting is intended to emulate this existing pattern. Where possible, it may be advantageous to have the parking ingress and egress off a secondary street at the rear of the lot.

Figure 11: Parking in front yard vs. rear yard There are appropriate designs for either type of parking and for the associated entry sequence. In some cases, this may require a plan that has more than one “front” door or main entrance. When addressing these issues, it is good to keep in mind the location of the circulation desk so that the overall plan ensures a clear, efficient, and enjoyable path of travel from the parking lot (for those who arrive by car) and the sidewalk (for those who arrive on foot). Note that there may be implications for staffing if a library has more than one entrance. A vehicular drop off area for visitors and material returns may be appropriate depending on the size of the library and its patron base. Planning for a vehicular drop off requires the inclusion of driveways, an area for people to get into and out of cars, and an area for the vehicles to turn or exit.

4.2

Mass Transit When siting a library building and locating the library’s front door, the design team should consider mass transit, both lines and routes in existing systems as well as current plans for future service. As population in many cities and in rural areas continues to grow, there has been increasing investment in mass transit. These routes, and the location of bus stops, light rail and subway stations, and shuttle stops will become increasingly important criteria both for site selection and for the location of a library’s front door. The likelihood is that additional mass transit will enhance access to and increase patron use of public libraries. Given this, it is imperative that the design team consult with local and regional transit authorities to assess current and future services and to have an

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understanding of where transit stops might be located. Some cities now require libraries to integrate bus stops and transit shelters into the design of new facilities.

4.3

Pedestrians and Bicycles Some patrons may choose other modes of transit for their trip to the library such as walking or riding a bicycle. Ample sidewalks and the planting of shade trees can enhance the pedestrian’s experience and make it memorable. Bicyclists often prefer demarcated bike lanes so drivers are alerted to their presence on the street. Dedicated bike lanes are a city or county improvement and although beyond the scope of a library project, are a type of ancillary improvement that may benefit library patrons. Entrances to the library should allow room for bike racks. Many jurisdictions require bicycle parking or bike lockers for staff use and to encourage alternative transit modes.

4.4

Universal Access Universal or equal access requirements under ADA extend to parking, walkways, and building signage. ADA sets the number of parking spaces dedicated for the mobility impaired and the location of these spaces in relation to the front door of the library. These standards also define criteria for the path of travel. The latter includes minimum widths and maximum slopes for walkways. Ramps cannot exceed a one foot elevation change in twelve feet of travel (1’:12’). On a sloping site this translates into a ramp with a sequence of sloping segments and landings every thirty feet of travel distance. Alternatively, access can be by elevator. Each approach has different cost implications for the project budget.

Photographs accessible ramps: (L to R) paired ramp and stair, and ramp under a garden pergola.

4.5

Service Access An access drive and loading area will usually be needed for deliveries and servicing of the building, e.g., trash removal, custodial vehicle parking, etc. The size of the loading area will be scaled to the library’s program. It is desirable to zone services to avoid possible

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conflicts of trucks and service vehicles with patrons. In larger facilities there will often be a separate entrance for service vehicles.

5.

SITE ORIENTATION

5.1

Solar and Wind Orientation The orientation of a site will influence the massing and formal detail of the building constructed. Knowing the local solar and wind patterns is essential to good design. This knowledge will be brought to bear when evaluating the most appropriate placement for a library on a given site. Many jurisdictions encourage site planners and architects to practice sustainable design in their work for public facilities. This type of design is often called green architecture in reference to its attention to issues of ecology. Sustainability implies that a building is energy efficient. The design team for a library project can specify materials that are renewable, that have been recycled, and that improve energy conservation. Each of these will improve the project’s sustainability rating, but a design team can be most effective if they site a building wisely from the start. Much of the energy demand in buildings is for lighting and climate control. A library that is sited to maximize the use of natural light and to allow for natural ventilation will require less energy to operate. These issues are even more critical given California’s current energy crisis with a scarcity of supply and an escalation in rates. The savings in dollars that can be realized through energy efficient design can be significant over a ten or twenty year period. The money saved could be allocated for library materials and programs. An analysis of solar orientation will inform designers regarding which areas of the site receive the most sun. Sun exposure translates into heat gain, a measure of the sun’s radiation stored in a structure. Heat gain can be beneficial in cool climates or during colder times of the year. If heat is captured and retained in the building mass, the need for mechanical heating will be reduced. However, heat gain in warmer climates or during warmer seasons must be mitigated through natural ventilation or the use of air conditioning to maintain comfortable temperatures. Typically the greatest increment of heat gain is from the south and the west. Buildings with a reduced mass or with fewer windows on the south and west will have less heat gain. If it is not possible to reduce the mass or limit the windows facing these directions, heat gain can be controlled through the use of sunshades or window glazing that provide greater insulation.

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Figure 12: Site orientation factors At a greater level of detail, the design team should study seasonal sun angles to analyze the pattern of shadows cast on the site from adjacent structures and the shadows that the proposed library will cast on adjacent outdoor areas. Understanding a site’s orientation with respect to wind patterns is also an important criterion for site design. Winds often have a regular pattern in terms of direction and time of day. In more temperate areas, a site with cross breezes can save energy by natural ventilation, i.e., opening windows rather than turning on the air conditioning. Natural ventilation might be useful for cooling isolated or semi-enclosed areas of the library. Areas with computer equipment and special collections must be serviced with mechanical air. If the library design includes outdoor areas, the solar and wind patterns are critical variables for ensuring that these spaces are comfortable and functional extensions of the library proper. Ideally these spaces would offer a mix of sunny and shady environments during different times of the day and over the annual change of seasons.

5.2

Views Potential building sites should be evaluated in terms of the views out from the library itself, and views of the structure from other locations. Views out to the natural or designed landscape from key public spaces in the library or from reading areas can enhance the patron’s experience. Conversely, views of the library from surrounding buildings and public spaces should be studied. There may be opportunities to improve the

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library’s visibility if it is located at the end of a view corridor or placed at a prominent location on the site.

6.

SUMMARY While libraries can be remodelled and expanded over time, the characteristics of site and general location cannot be changed. The common methods of site assessment outlined in this paper are those mandatory to ensure that the library team and its consultants choose an appropriate site. Each process of site selection is unique. Ideally, one would have time to assess all candidate sites in detail. Realistically, one may not have the time or resources to do this. In either case it is important to apply a standard and consistent means of assessment, even if limited in scope, to assure the greatest access for all. The issue of siting the central or branch library rose to prominence in the United States during the early twentieth century when Andrew Carnegie funded a philanthropic program for more than 1,600 new libraries in various cities and towns between 1890 and 1917. In Free to All: Carnegie Libraries & American Culture (University of Chicago Press, 1995), historian Abigail Van Slyck reveals the role that political differences between local philanthropists and municipal officials over siting, architectural design and intended patronage played in site design and site planning. The City Beautiful, a turn of the century urban planning movement, encouraged library trustees to locate main libraries near developing civic centers. Van Slyck uncovered fundamental differences between the views held by men and women on issues of location. Many businessmen saw the library as contributing to local commerce; a sign of cultural advancement that should be easily seen by visiting investors. Conversely, women saw the library as extensions of the hearth and home, better located away from the commercial district and saloons frequented by businessmen. While these differences are not as evident today, finding the ideal site for a library will be no less contentious than during Carnegie’s time. Then and now, politics inform the process through which decision makers select a building site. Constituents can greatly influence site selection through the process of electoral politics. Library trustees can also steer the process towards a specific site, and may wield influence in the local business and cultural communities. The library staff can make strong recommendations that will ultimately set the tone for the decision. Finally, timing and budget constraints will define the realm of possibility. Throughout this paper, I have noted various professional consultants who can provide expertise along the way. And while each of them brings insight regarding a specific site selection issue, it is important to remember the role of local knowledge. The selection committee should have an understanding of what the community might be like in the future, what the library ought to be, and whom it will serve. This picture is changing at a rapid pace in many communities as everyone tries to reassess the library’s role in modern urban life. Despite the seemingly limitless advances in information technology, libraries still fulfil a fundamental role of bringing people together in real time and place. They remain important cultural symbols for our towns and cities.

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7.

GLOSSARY OF SITE PLANNING TERMINOLOGY Adaptive reuse California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Dedication

Renovation of an existing built structure into another use other than originally intended. State code that applies to new projects that requires approval by State and local government agencies. Its goal is to develop and maintain a high-quality environment while aiming to identify, avoid or mitigate significant environmental effects of a proposed project. Appropriation of land by an owner to some public use, together with acceptance for such use by or on behalf of the public.

Easement

Right or privilege of a person or entity, other than the landowner or tenant, to use a piece of property.

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

Floor area of a building on any lot divided by the area of the lot.

Footings

Foundation or underlying support for a structure.

Right-of-way (ROW)

Easement over another’s land. The term is used to describe a strip of land used for a public utility for a public purpose. Distance from property line or other established line within which no building may be erected. A method of using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged. Sustainable architecture aims to utilize materials and methods that preserve natural resources.

Setback Sustainability

Topography

Elevation change or grade across an area.

Topographic Map

Map that presents the vertical position of features in a measurable form, as well as their horizontal positions.

Zoning

Control of land usage by city, county or state authorities with power to limit the property use by established standards.

Further SOurces of Information Societies, Organizations, and Agencies APA

American Planning Association

http://www.planning.org/

CEQA

California Environmental Quality Act

http://ceres.ca.gov/ceqa

ULI

Urban Land Institute

http://ww.uli.org/

Reference Books Lynch, Kevin. Site Planning. 3rd edition. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, c1984. Simonds, John Ormsbee. Landscape Architecture: A Manual of Site Planning and Design. 3rd Edition. N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, c 1997. Peter Calthorpe, William Fulton, Robert Fishman. Regional City: Planning for the End of Sprawl. Island Press, c2001. ISBN 1559637846.

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• • • The Author Lisa Padilla is a Principal in the Los Angeles office of Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership (ZGF), a national design firm specializing in architecture, interiors and urban design. At ZGF Ms. Padilla is responsible for the design and management of civic and institutional projects. As a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) she serves on the editorial board of ArcCA, the California chapter’s quarterly publication devoted to architectural design and practice. She also served on the AIA National Committee on Urban Design, as well as the Los Angeles board of the Association for Women in Architecture. Her work on the Santa Monica Boulevard Master Plan for the City of West Hollywood was the recipient of the 2001 AIA Honor Award for Urban Design.

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8.

SITE EVALUATION CRITERIA

Criteria

SITE A

1) Geography Evaluate proximity to other civic services, schools and transit. 2) Land Acquisition Costs Compare initial cost, long-term lease cost or other arrangement. 3) Soil /Structural Implications Assess soils report and anticipated structural footings. 4) Infrastructure Estimate extent of new or modified infrastructure needs (water, power, tel/data, gas, vaults, utility reroutes) 5) Topography Gage extent of site grading needed to prepare site. 6) Project Approvals Compare environmental, design and city approvals process. 7) Site Fit Check library building program on the site’s buildable area. 8) Parking Check parking requirements based on local codes and recommendations. Factor in costs for structure if needed. 9) Site Amenities Assess opportunities for accommodating gardens and gathering places.

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SITE B

Criteria (continued)

SITE A

SITE B

10) Future Expansion Check if site can accommodate future growth. 11) Development Restrictions Evaluate any development limits that affect buildable area and envelope (maximize size, height, setbacks, dedications, easements) 12) Ease of Access Assess inherent ease of pedestrian, vehicular, bicycle and service access to the site. 13) Site Features Natural views to/from site, wind and sun patterns, site’s visibility to the general public. 14) Other Considerations Unique factors based on local context and politics.

Site Selection for Libraries. This material has been created by Lisa Padilla, AIA and provided through the Libris Design Project [http://www.librisdesign.org/], supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. Any use of this material should credit the author and funding source.

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