The site selection helped re-use an urban site and preserve landscapes within the neighborhood

This location helped to take advantage of the neighborhood history, existing walkability, bus stops, and adjacency to nearby schools

The floor plan of MLK features energy use intensity and several resources within the new library

The library porch element creates a unique community space by encouraging visual engagement with the neighborhood

This is the first library in the country named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Elevated reading room overlooking the street similar to residential porches in the neighborhood

The architecture emulates carved stone reflecting historic civic buildings nearby and the stone monument of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington D.C.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s likeness is graphically featured with donor recognition

A changing art gallery is constantly updated with new art from the local community

The library features flexible meeting rooms creating a better end-user experience

Teenage lounge with innovative design concepts

The porch element is a visual statement that transitions the residential neighborhood to the public

“Out of a mountain of sorrow, comes a stone of hope” - Carved into the MLK Washington DC Monument, these words shaped the building form

Major public library components pull you in from the entry and porch element at the northeast corner

The grand massing gesture at the street and porch are generated from sharp carving ideas while allowing transparency for the activities happening within

The library features a projection system that allows video imagery of iconic civil rights moments to be seen from the community

@2019 Brad Feinknopf, Feinknopf Photography

@2019 Lauren Davis, Feinknopf Photography

@2019 Brad Feinknopf, Feinknopf Photography