Two months prior to the opening of the second floor renovations at the Boston Public Library (BPL), we were asked to provide interior decoration for Teen Central; an “eco-urban-chic” space housing a gaming lounge, maker lab, and the Teen collections. BPL had already developed a strong conceptual design for the space to complement the interior architecture and furnishings by William Rawn Associates, but the challenge set forth was still large; complete design development, purchase and acquire all items, produce custom pieces and provide installation prior to the scheduled opening.
The process was quick, but the results make for a lasting impression. Teens can display their artwork in the gallery; a large wall comprised of salvaged frames from the BPL and other sources. A selection of frames were painted to match the room’s signature color. Matted frames were hung with hinges and the wall is a full tack board surface making artwork hanging quick and easy. Throw pillows and area rugs, hand-cut by our designers, complete three distinct seating areas. A sculpture built from card catalog drawers, which were sourced from the Library’s basement, creates a striking window display. A collection of street signs, illuminated letters and framed artwork complete the space.
Project Details
location
Boston, MA
client/owner
Boston Public Library
City of Boston
architect
William Rawn Associates, Architects Inc.
categories
Graphics
Awards
BOSTON PRESERVATION ALLIANCE
PRESERVATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, 2017
AIA/ALA
LIBRARY BUILDING AWARD, 2017
PRESERVATION MASSACHUSETTS
THE PAUL & NIKKI TSONGAS AWARD BIGGEST IMPACT-URBAN, 2017
BOSTON SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
MERIT AWARD FOR DESIGN, 2017
CONGRESS FOR THE NEW URBANISM
CHARTER AWARD, GRAND PRIZE, 2017
ASSOCIATION OF GENERAL CONTRACTORS (AGC)
BUILD NEW ENGLAND AWARD, 2017
ENR NEW ENGLAND
AWARD, 2017
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
NEW ENGLAND PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, 2017
ILLUMINATING ENGINEERING SOCIETY
SECTION AWARD, 2017
Photos by Robert Benson
Architectural Plans / Process
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The design team painted frames provided by the BPL for use on the gallery wall.
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A full-sized template helped with the gallery installation.
Area rugs were hand-cut to a custom shape.
The card catalog drawers used for the window display were sourced from the BPL's basement.
Bronze rods from the drawers were repurposed for stringing them together.