Portola Branch Library San Francisco Public Library, SF, CA The single-story, 6,300-square-foot building is the culmination of six years of creative collaboration among the joint venture of Noll & Tam Architects and Stoner Meek Architects, the San Francisco Public Library, and the Portola community. The new $6 million library now offers the neighborhood an expanded book selection, a designated teen space and distinct children's room, multilingual materials to support an increasingly diverse population, and flexible space to support public and private events after hours. Chris Noll, Principal of Noll & Tam, calls the design "evocative and symbolic, but really focused on effects of light." Windows are placed to guide patrons through the simple organization of the building, and skylights illuminate the interior space. The design team focused on creating a feeling of transparency and involving passersby in the excitement of the new facility. An open book motif is strikingly represented in the sunshades along the building's southern wall. These sunshades, modeled to resemble opened book spines, create indoor-outdoor connection while reducing heat gain. Dana Zed, a San Francisco glass sculptor, provided a graceful piece of public art through a grant from the San Francisco Art Commission. Zed's revolving stained glass panels, placed just inside the front window, echo the shapes of open books. Previous ProjectNext Project >