A new public space: The Karl Road Library is part of an ambitious effort to bring 21st Century libraries to the 10 communities that make up the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) system. Built on the same site of the former library, this presented an opportunity to acutely understand the needs of the community and how they wanted to see this asset evolve.  In this community, the library serves as a nurturing ‘third space’ for many students as they fill time between school and parent pick-up. 

What we did: From a site design perspective, this creates a series of peak drop-off and pick-up times, exacerbating pedestrian and vehicular conflicts.  In the new design, REALM helped to shape a vehicular circulation strategy the minimizes this conflict while still retaining an intentional campus like setting. Strong geometric forms of sidewalks and associated plantings help to reinforce the architectural moves and further strengthens the connection between the interior and exterior.