Northside Library by NBBJ, Libraries are in transition. Once a point of knowledge dissemination and quiet introspection, they are becoming places to meet, socialize, study, hang out and plugin. Historically, we have seen a library’s civic value shift from a place for things, now, to a place for people.
Photography by © Chuck Choi
Its unique nature is that it maintains the tenants of a public service institution while embracing the increasing proclivity of people to seek environments to carry out activities that blur the line between research, socialization, knowledge-seeking, and play.
Diagrams
The new Northside Library branch aims to capitalize on its distinctive urban nature and the tide of new development behind the libraries of today.
Photography by © Chuck Choi
Currently sitting at a junction of four significant urban vectors in Columbus; the Short North growing north, the University growing south, the Peach District bordering to the west, and Weinland Park to the east. Rather than one single contextual driver, the library is a reflection of this unique junction, and as such celebrates the scale, material, and vibrancy of these neighborhoods.
Project Info:
Architects: NBBJ
Project Year: 2017
Project Area: 25000.0 ft2
Contractor: Turner Construction
Civil Engineer: Korda Engineering
MEP Engineer: Prater Engineering
Artist Installation: Loris Cecchini
Client Columbus: Metropolitan Library
Structural Engineer: Korda Engineering
Manufacturers: Alucobond, Viracon, Belden
Photographs: Chuck Choi, Sean Airhart/NBBJ
Project Location: Columbus, OH, United States
Landscape Architecture Team: NBBJ; Tony Murry, Chris Laster, Ed Mickelson
Architecture Team: NBBJ; AJ Montero, Tracy Perry, Mike Suriano, Alyson Erwin, Britni Stone, Stephen Maher, Scot Walls
Project Name: Northside Library
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.