Top Five Design Advantages

The Wisconsin State Journal recently asked us to describe the "top five areas that your project offers an advantage over your competitor in terms of site plan, design, use of space, etc." Here's what we gave them:

The Library will be an iconic building at a prominent location.

• The free-standing Library will enjoy a high-profile visibility along West Washington Avenue - a major gateway into Downtown Madison.
  
• The Library’s exclusive main entry is prominently located along a major bus and pedestrian axis to the Capitol Square and enjoys an average daily traffic count of 20,000 vehicles (compared to 9,000 cars at the existing location)
  
• The Library will properly represent the value our community places on this important civic institution.
  
• The free-standing Library will generate greater support from private donors and may enable other federal funding sources.

The design details are superior in every category.

• The building is south facing, affording warmth and comfort to reading areas, the 6th floor outdoor patio, and better winter ice control on sidewalks at the entry of the building.
  
• The building provides 18’ between floors to allow better daylight penetration.
  
• The exterior is real stone and glass, not “stone-like” cladding.
  
• The mechanical system is higher quality, and allows more outdoor air, better filtration, and higher indoor air quality with less maintenance than the heat pump system proposed by others.

The public experience will be outstanding.

• The main entry level is inviting and graciously proportioned; providing 29,000 sq ft of area including the mezzanine. The circulation desk is prominent at the entry; the two-story portion along Henry Street is pleasant and functional and will be used for reading tables, comfortable chairs, new releases, and popular collections.
  
• Southern exposures, tall ceiling heights and high glass-to-floor-area ratio provide superior natural day-lighting to every square foot of public area.
  
• West Washington window bays will provide library patrons fantastic views from all floors, and the top floor patio is accessible to library patrons.

The Library will enjoy complete and continuous operational control of its facility.

• The library will not be required to move during construction of the new building. It will be able to operate and function in its present location right up to moving day.
  
• The free-standing library will enjoy complete operational control of its space. There will be no shared vertical circulation with other building occupants. The Library will not be exposed to water and sanitary sewer leaks or other potential damage originating from other building occupants.
  
• True freight and loading facilities are provided at a location convenient to library back-of-house areas.
  
• The dedicated and library-appropriate HVAC system will offer greatest comfort, control and air quality.
  
• LEED Silver building will provide lowest lifecycle operating cost

The Library will be part of a true mixed-use plan - a rare urban plan for the whole city block.

• Existing fully occupied tech office (185,900 sf);
  
• Phase II public parking, hotel/office and true street-level retail provide real synergies for the Library, Overture Center and other downtown businesses
  
• Up to 400 new stalls in Phase II provides public parking opportunity.
  
• With completion of Phase II, Block 66 will be fully-integrated, well-proportioned and presenting attractive architecture on all four street elevations.