North Boulder Library by WORKac

In 2018, the Boulder Public Library announced an open Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new branch in North Boulder—a long-awaited addition the community had been anticipating for more than two decades. The RFP called for an “iconic” structure, a term that most competitors interpreted as a call for a bold and visually striking design.

However, New York–based architecture studio WORKac, led by Amale Andraos and Dan Wood, took a completely different approach. Rather than relying on form alone, their concept for the North Boulder Library sought to achieve iconic status through sustainability, community impact, and environmental sensitivity. Their vision emphasized architecture’s ability to serve as both a civic landmark and a social connector—one that uplifts the people who use it.

A Vision Rooted in Education and Civic Engagement

WORKac’s philosophy has long been shaped by the firm’s involvement in academia and education. Amale Andraos, former Dean of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), and Dan Wood, an Associate Adjunct Professor there, both share a deep commitment to the role of architecture in public life.

At the time this project was commissioned, the firm had just completed the celebrated Kew Gardens Hills Library in Queens, New York, and the playful Miami Museum Garage—a design that turned a mundane parking structure into an interactive, socially engaging public space. These experiences reinforced their belief that architecture could foster community connections while maintaining a sense of joy and optimism.

Engaging the Community from the Ground Up

A Collaborative Design Process

The North Boulder Library is located within a diverse urban fabric that brings together new housing developments, creative studios, galleries, and two large manufactured home communities—one of which includes Boulder’s largest Spanish-speaking population. The triangular site, bordered by Broadway and Three Mile Creek, offers expansive views of the Flatirons, one of Boulder’s most iconic natural backdrops.

WORKac’s design process was guided by intensive community collaboration. Over the course of nearly eight years, the architects participated in more than twenty public meetings and presentations, incorporating local feedback at every stage. This extensive dialogue ensured the final building reflected the community’s actual needs—educational, cultural, and environmental. When the library officially opened on June 29, 2024, more than 3,000 residents gathered to celebrate.

As the architects put it:

“We endeavor to render architecture more human, to turn the pragmatic fantastic, and to reclaim the ‘best’ in ‘best practice’ away from the technocratic and towards the creative.”

Site Strategy and Architectural Concept

A Design Shaped by Its Landscape

Boulder’s unique position at the meeting point of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains has long influenced its architectural identity. WORKac responded to this context by designing a building that both harmonizes with and enhances its surroundings.

The design balances the scale of nearby residential areas to the north while opening toward the southern and western mountain views. The library’s triangular geometry creates a dynamic sense of movement and visual connection between the built environment and the landscape.

A seasonal creek runs diagonally through the site, and the building’s layout respects this natural feature, integrating it into the outdoor experience. Four separate entrances make the library easily accessible from all directions, and the architecture encourages an ongoing dialogue between indoor and outdoor public spaces.

Programs Inspired by Community Needs

Literacy, Creativity, and Connection

Several key programs emerged directly from the community engagement process. The Boulder Reads initiative supports literacy for children and adults, while the Maker Kitchen merges the ideas of a makerspace and community garden—reflecting a shared local interest in creativity and sustainable living.

The second floor houses major community spaces, including flexible classrooms for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. These rooms can remain open even after library hours through a ramped outdoor entrance, reinforcing the building’s identity as a civic hub that serves people beyond traditional library functions.

Adding a touch of playfulness, the ramp itself features a musical art installation by Montreal-based studio Daily tous les jours, which plays sounds as people move along it—turning accessibility into an interactive experience.

Interior Experience and Material Expression

Inside, the library’s spaces unfold through a series of intersecting triangular forms, creating unexpected perspectives and a lively rhythm throughout. The main floor divides into distinct zones: a spacious reading room for adults and a children’s area with a cozy storytelling nook. A rope climbing structure connects to an indoor slide, leading directly to the outdoor playground—a feature that brings fun and imagination into the learning environment.

Natural light floods the interiors through large, carefully positioned windows framing the surrounding mountains. Custom graphic elements, such as a wallpaper by designer Andrew Freeman featuring archival images of Boulder and its indigenous heritage, enrich the space with cultural depth. The exposed ceiling structure not only enhances acoustic performance but also underscores the honesty of materials and construction.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

From the outset, the project was envisioned as a net-zero energy building. Although some sustainability features were simplified due to pandemic-era budget constraints, the North Boulder Library still meets Boulder’s rigorous green building standards.

A rooftop solar array provides renewable energy, while a rainwater garden with native plants and butterfly-attracting species filters runoff before it reaches the creek. These systems embody WORKac’s holistic approach to sustainability—one that integrates environmental performance with public well-being.

A Model for Equitable and Inspiring Public Architecture

The North Boulder Library demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform civic architecture into a catalyst for inclusion and creativity. Funded entirely by the City of Boulder, the project reflects the city’s progressive values and commitment to sustainability. Despite its modest scale, it stands as a model for how architecture can empower communities, promote equity, and create joyful spaces for all.

WORKac’s achievement with this project earned them the 2023 Arts and Letters Award in Architecture from the American Academy of Arts and Letters—recognition of their enduring impact on contemporary architecture. Currently, the firm continues to expand its portfolio with projects like the Beirut Art Museum and academic work at Vassar College, carrying forward their belief that architecture should always engage the world with optimism, creativity, and care.

Photography: Bruce Damonte