The library at P.S. 58, a public elementary school in Brooklyn, represents a collaboration among parents and administrators who participated in the project's design and fund-raising activities.
The school's "library" had been a dreary space with yellowing shades and cracked vinyl tile floors and was being used as an ad hoc science classroom. The goal was to rediscover the library's purpose as a rich resource within a public school.
Rolling bookshelves allow for large school gatherings and dance classes, and a vibrant palette of materials reflects the spirit and warmth of a library setting. An abstract solar-system design in linoleum flooring and custom furniture create a playful juxtaposition of curved geometries. Murals by parent artists Derek Stenborg and Stephen Gaffney illustrate the history, myths and fables of youth.
The project was completed with public funding and through the fund-raising efforts of the school's PTA. Loci architecture pc (New York City) provided pro bono architectural services.
