Indian Creek Library

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[],"sections":[[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"A story of the transformative power of\nadaptive reuse, the Indian Creek Library reestablishes nature in the suburban\nsetting of Olathe, Kansas. With this project, a former big-box retail structure\nhas become a vital community hub and a community asset that is much more\nvaluable than a typical library. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The project began in 2016 when the city\nlaunched a programming process for expanding its two branch libraries, as\nrecommended by a broader master plan. The process delivered a comprehensive\nvision for both libraries, and Indian Creek Library was envisioned as a prime\ndestination for children, teens, and families. During the process, a major\nflooding event wreaked serious structural damage on the library building.\nInstead of a setback, the city viewed the incident as an opportunity to\naccelerate the project through an alternate development concept and purchased a\nvacant grocery store to house the library. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The new library demonstrates\ntransformation in two ways: physical and programmatic. The conversion of the\nformer grocery store was rooted in providing daylight and a connection to\nnature that the previous library sorely lacked. Its facade was completely\nremoved and replaced with a wall of glazing that is protected by a sunshade\nsystem that replicates the shade and dappled light one encounters on a walk\nthrough a park. That characteristic is repeated inside, where dappled light and\nsky-lit beacons offer a compelling new experience. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Indian Creek Library, through its\nprogramming, evolves the traditional library concept to meet 21st century\nneeds. It focuses on content creation instead of consumption, and patrons are\ngreeted with a makerspace, cafe, conference center, and a flexible workplace\nenvironment upon entry. More traditional library elements, chiefly reading\nspaces, can be found deeper inside. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Given the library\u2019s evolving role in\nsociety, the design of Indian Creek Library hinges on flexibility and embracing\nchange. It boasts a large open floor area with individual departments that can\nbe easily reconfigured to accommodate new uses, and its entry flex zone was\nquickly redesigned to serve as a staging area for community holds during the\nCOVID-19 pandemic. Depending on future needs, the flex zone could become an\nexhibition, meeting, or personal reflection space, and the library\u2019s\ntransparent facade will allow those changes to remain on display for the\ncommunity it serves. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Another primary focus for the team was\nembedding nature and wellness into the library\u2019s everyday experience, beginning\nwith the transformation of a retail environment devoid of nature into a vital\ncommunity asset. The site now includes a reading park where the library\u2019s\nprogramming mingles with native trees. The library is also adjacent to the\nIndian Creek and its trail system, and the long-term vision includes the\nlibrary functioning as a trailhead. "]]]]}