Los Gatos Library, Californian Learning Facility, American Architecture, Images
Los Gatos Library, California
Educational Facility Building, CA, United States ? design by Noll & Tam, Architects
23 May 2018
Los Gatos Library
Architecture: Noll & Tam
Location: Los Gatos, Santa Clara County, California, USA (just south of San Francisco)
Los Gatos Library

Nestled at the foot of a wooded hillside, the new Los Gatos Public Library is a key element within a master plan that strengthens the connection between the town?s civic center and historic Pageant Park. With its rectangular form, the two-story public library complements the adjacent 1960s Civic Center, an elegant masonry building split into quadrants and located partially below grade. ?We wanted to create a connection with, and a contrast to, the existing 1960s-era Civic Center building,? notes Chris Noll, FAIA, Principal in Charge and co-founder of Noll & Tam.
The inspiration for the nearly 30,000-square-foot library is a lantern, a welcoming symbol to the community, and a visual play on the rich ?enlightened? world within. During the day, glazing on the north and south walls invites sunlight in, creating a warm natural glow. At night, artificial illumination projects outward, turning the library into a beacon that anchors the neighborhood?a literal light in the woods.

The 35-foot-high lobby atrium brings in plenty of daylight and features a two-story staircase with symbols of letters, phrases, musical not...