A Combo of Concrete, Light, and Warm Public Spaces in Hunters Point Library

Steven Holl Architects has completed Hunters Point Library public library design in Long Island City, New York. Located along the East River, the library offers extensive views of the waterfront and Midtown Manhattan. The Queens Public Library in Hunters Point stands majestically as a symbol of public space amidst a row of towering skyscraper condominiums. 

The Queens Public Library is not only a public library but also a public park with green areas that can be enjoyed by the community while relaxing on the Long Island City waterfront. The landscape of this building can be an example of combining library facilities with social spaces that are usually combined in grand buildings. 

Hunters Point Library by Steven Holl Architects (cr: Paul Warchol)

Hunters Point Library by Steven Holl Architects (cr: Paul Warchol)

The Hunters Point Library is a six-storey rectangular vertical structure in aluminum constructed from cast concrete. Steven Holl chose to paint the aluminum to achieve a shiny silver finish. Not only is it an eye-catching facade, but it is also a load-bearing structure without curtain walls. The concrete facade is made all more enjoyable by the large asymmetrical windows scattered around “punching holes” on each side of the building. The architects made the windows face Manhattan to flood light into the interior, illuminating the movement of the people inside. 

Hunters Point Library by Steven Holl Architects (cr: Paul Warchol)

Hunters Point Library by Steven Holl Architects (cr: Paul Warchol)

Before choosing a book, upon entering the library, visitors are invited to pass through a lobby with an information desk for book returns. Visitors will also find a small seating area, a quiet room, restrooms, and an auditorium on the main floor. Next, visitors will find a linear staircase next to a window that draws the eye past the colorful books with views of Manhattan visible through the glass windows. 

Visitors can find the digital and book spaces merged through bookshelves and adjacent digital workstations flowing upwards through open staircases. Reading spaces are spread across open-concept mezzanines with strong natural light.

Hunters Point Library by Steven Holl Architects (cr: Paul Warchol)

Hunters Point Library by Steven Holl Architects (cr: Paul Warchol)

Hunters Point Library by Steven Holl Architects (cr: Paul Warchol)

In addition to the perforated facade, the curved roof terrace and public garden also characterize the Hunters Point Library building. as there are a series of reading rooms and areas designed specifically for children, teens, and adults. Visitors are treated to a flowing, open-concept interior design, connecting the various areas through a series of mezzanines connected by ramps and staircases. 

Despite designing it as a compact building, he still created a design with green spaces for the public to save energy. On the east entrance side is a reading garden bordered by a garden office pavilion with a forest of ginkgo trees. At night, the glow of the library in collaboration with the “Long Island” sign on the old Gantry shines along the waterfront, marking this place as a new community center.

Hunters Point Library by Steven Holl Architects (cr: Paul Warchol)

Hunters Point Library by Steven Holl Architects (cr: Paul Warchol)