The library is located in a 1970 school building in bayside Queens, NY, a predominantly Asian neighborhood.

The school principals desired a special space where many activities of the school and the community could take place.

The studio’s design concept was to insert in the existing ceiling a series of colored box-shaped soffits of different depths, that manipulate the spatial volume below. In fact, the new multicolored ceiling, referencing paper lanterns, creates a variety of defined areas in the existing large space.

 

Custom units separate the space further, creating a media center, a classroom, discussion niches and lounge areas for the many students of this large school.

 

The library’s materials and technologies, the ergonomic furniture, and the ceiling with LED lighting respond to the latest environmental and health requirements developed with the client.

 

​ This project is part of a transformative series of APT school libraries that are expanding their educational purposes by rebuilding communities through culture.