Yorba Linda Public Library and Cultural Arts Center
G|M Business Interiors was tasked to bring modernity and a refreshed aesthetic to the Yorba Linda Public Library and Cultural Arts Center.
Responding to the combination of a years-long effort to expand library services and recent Parks and Recreation findings of a need for an arts and community center, G|M Business Interiors partnered with architecture firm Group 4 and general contractor Griffin Structures to design a bright and bold environment for the Yorba Linda Public Library and Cultural Arts Center.
This new civic campus celebrates its place in the community by creating an inviting and nurturing place to explore and thrive. This was achieved by integrating a variety of warm colors, soft textures, and holistic, sustainable design. This new two-building civic campus project is meant to create a "civic heartbeat" by acting as a public hub adjacent to a new Town Center shopping district.
The 4.7-acre campus positions a two-story, 45,000 square-foot library and a 13,500 square-foot arts center to share a pedestrian paseo of outdoor rooms. The campus connects visitors to the various public amenities, gardens, art, and other features on-site, and to the Town Center across the street. Across the outdoor "paseo" that splits the campus, the cultural arts center features a black box performance theater, music and dance studios, art galleries, and an outdoor amphitheater.
The two-story library offers a variety of in-demand modern amenities and collaborative spaces including community meeting rooms, private study rooms, furniture with plug-in technology, public computers, and a children's storytime room. The library also features a full range of traditional collections for all ages, several reading zones for kids, teens, and adults, plus a multipurpose room. Beyond books, the library also checks out things like telescopes, sewing machines, banjos, and more.
The facility is topped by an inviting, light, and playful public space with views of the hills. The beautiful stairway in the reception area's atrium acts as a hub connecting the functions and users. Furniture featured in the project includes a variety of Herman Miller products such as Canvas Private Offices, Canvas Wall workstations, Layout Studio tables, Lino chairs, as well as several other manufacturers including Agati, National, AllSeating, to name a few.
Library Director Carrie Lixley commented, "Some of my favorite aspects of the new library are the openness and all of the natural light, the views of the hills, and how welcoming it feels. But my very favorite thing is the additional space for more books - I am a librarian after all."
This project has been nominated for Engineering News-Record (ENR)'s 2021 California Regional Best Project Winner for an Award of Merit in the Cultural/Worship section.
