The design team of EDGE Studio worked with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to fully renovate the existing 1967 facility and provide an addition which facilitates a complete reorganization of library services.
photography by © Ed Massery
The existing building was completely transformed by removing its un-insulated, single glazed envelope and expanding the structure to enlarge the facility and provide a greater visual presence when approached from all nearby streets. The new exterior wall of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh assembly helps to provide for a highly sustainable building with a thermally superior envelope.
photography by © Ed Massery
The interior space was reorganized to locate all of the main Carnegie library of Pittsburgh services, including adult, teen and children’s department services on a single floor with maximum staff sight lines to minimize staffing requirements. Accessibility, both physical and visual, is important to the visitor experience.
A welcoming environment to a diverse customer base and strong wayfinding so that all visitors can orient themselves to the space immediately upon entry ensures that services are readily perceived.
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Project Info :
Architects : EDGE Studio
Project Year : 2010
Photographs : Ed Massery
Project Location : Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Area : 33,000 sf renovation / 9,000 sf
Project Team Anne Chen AIA LEED AP, Jonathan Eggert AIA, Amanda Markovic, Stephen Mrdjenovich, Matthew Manzo
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
photography by © Ed Massery
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Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.