03. BRANCHING BOISE

Library

ARCH 412 | Instr, Lauren Thomsen | Fall 19 Location: Boise. ID

Collaboration With Scott Cousen & Sarah Meyer

Physical-Façade Model Displayed in Architecture + Design Center

Boise, Idaho is a culturally rich area with a large population influx, but with very little space to accommodate everyone’s needs. Specifically, Boise State University continually sets new fall enrollment records. This year’s number marks a nearly 3% increase from 2018 and almost 19% increase over the past five years.

The project is aimed to achieve an expansive space for the increasing crowded density of the student classes at Boise. Creating a library with the necessary program with large spaces is important to alleviate high density and create a great working environment away from the school. The library’s location is placed on the northern end of the park to take the least amount away from the campus, the park where many events occur.

The library’s purpose is to serve as needed spaces for the community and for students. This library provides the space for social, educational, and interactive possibilities for the community and students off-campus. The structure and programmatic spaces are based on the similar gridded structure of Boise City and its surrounding urban area.