The design of the library seeks to preserve and emphasize this distinctive landscape by integrating it into the gathering spaces that are central to the library’s connection to the community. Sited delicately so as to avoid disturbing the landscape, the library’s materials and form relate to the neighboring architecture. Undulating shade canopies intermixed with the existing pine trees throughout the plaza celebrate the main entry into the building. The flexible library space is defined by the orthogonal grid of the structure and the folding form of the roof structure above. Glass to the north and south of the main library space creates transparency throughout the building connecting the public plaza to the south through the library and out to Bonanza Road to the north.
The building is defined primarily by three zones: the main library area, the multi-purpose area, and business center. The building layout and utility routing provides the library with ease of future expansion. The new East Las Vegas Library integrates 21st Century Library Design Principles and Sustainable practices.
Bio Richärd | Kennedy Architects is a studio-based, integrated architectural and interiors practice focusing primarily on Higher Education, Research, Public and Academic Library design, and
Diplomatic Facilities. The studio was founded in 1996 by architect James Richärd FAIA, and Stephen Kennedy AIA. Each of the principals of the firm was educated at the University of Arizona in the Tucson Sonoran Desert, developing sensitivity to the context of the region and environment. To that end, the firm remains an intimate scale of 25 highly skilled and motivated people.
Other prizes College of Idaho: Cruzen-Murray Library Awards: • 2022 AIA/ALA Library Building Award • 2021 The Chicago Athenaeum, International Architecture Award • 2019 SEAOA, Merit Award • 2018 AIA Arizona, Honor Award • 2018 AIA Western Mountain Region, Design Excellence Honor Award East Las Vegas Library Awards: Certified LEED Gold • 2020 NAIOP Southern Nevada, Honor Award, Special Use • 2019 AIA Nevada, Citation Award, Built Category • 2019 MUDA Award, Public Places Category • 2019 ULI Placemaking Award, Community Place OBO: Matamoros, Mexico Awards: Certified LEED Gold • 2021 The Chicago Athanaeum, International Architecture Award • 2021 BuildSouth Awards - International • 2021 AIA Northern Virginia: Excellence in Institutional Architecture • 2020 ENR Global Best Projects, Best Government Building Asante Library Awards: Certified LEED Silver • 2022 AIA/ALA, Library Building Awards • 2022 Arizona Forward: Environmental Excellence Award • 2022 RED Awards, Recreation or Public Works Project of the Year • 2021 RED Awards, Merit Award • 2021 The Chicago Athenaeum, International Architecture Award • 2021 SEAOA, Merit Award
