In addition to completing the new children’s area at the library, WMA created a new color palette for the building. The new colors complement the surrounding landscape and reflect the poppy jasper motif in a modern and inviting approach. Morgan Hill resident Kathryn Waggoner noted the exterior as “A breath of fresh air!” While the colors of the building were updated, WMA maintained the original design intent of color symbolism and a color blocking layout. The library, located in the city center, is a historic symbol of Morgan Hill. WMA respected the nature of this design during the color selection and placement process.
The intent of the new children’s area at the Morgan Hill Library is to address a huge need for parents and children to have their own independent space so that activities can happen in the main program room at the same time as children’s events. An introduction of both light and color was important to establish a space that would be fun and vibrant but also allow for presentations and videos including story time and toddler time. The space provides an opportunity for organized seating with bands of color that wrap around the space creating a colorful cocoon. Sliding glass doors open up to a smaller room that allows a transitional space between the existing library and the new room and also allows for expansion of the new room in the event that the program is larger.
In addition to children’s space, the community room provides for the free food program with a walk-through space that includes a small kitchenette that will also double for children’s crafts. Eventually an outdoor patio can be incorporated.
An interior remodel of the Friends of the Library bookstore increased the size to complete the current project. As a local architect we particularly appreciate the opportunity to have designed the library expansion creating spaces for local children and families to enjoy the gift of reading and events.
The first phases of the Morgan Hill project started inauspiciously with a chance meeting at the farm market about a potential portable to be located by the Friends of the Library at the front of the Library. After a quick assessment, we determined that there was both a need and an opportunity to provide a more enhanced design approach that included a full program review with the Friends, staff, users and the larger Community. WMA was enlisted to prepare the design program (the analysis and assessment) and then develop an approach that would allow incremental construction dependent on funding resources.
The timing of the multiple meetings with the Friends, all staff members and community groups extended over several months so that all members could have a say. The outcome was a very specific list of needs and also clear requirements for flexible space and community space. Since the project started small with a portable, the integration of the new uses into the existing space had to make sense both functionally and financially. The design evolved schematically with all members input and the outcome was presented to the Friends, the Library Staff, the Morgan Hill Library and Arts Commission and the Council.
The phasing approach allows the project to be constructed so that the current functional spaces are not impacted and the new spaces can be constructed without significant interaction with the existing users and spaces. additions to the existing library to better suit the needs of the growing Morgan Hill population. It was an intensive project starting with interviews of staff and users, programming and then the development of a phased design focused on those areas most needed to start and those that would allow for additions and remodeling in an organized and effective process.
