MURRIETA, Calif., March 19, 2007 - Murrieta Public Library, the focal point of the city’s Town Square, has opened its doors to the public. Designed by Carrier Johnson, one of California’s leading architecture and interior design firms, the library design draws inspiration from the historical agrarian buildings and landscape of Murrieta. Organized as a collection of smaller structures rather than one large structure, the library creates a more intimate scale that echoes the surrounding agrarian development. A combination of corrugated metal, warm stone walls, bright metal roofs, exposed wood beams, ceilings and trellises further reinforce the connection with the town.
“Years ago when we began conceptual studies and preparation of the submittal package to solicit Bond Act funds, we envisioned a place rich in history and design,� said Carrier Johnson design principal Gordon Carrier. “Today our vision has become a reality, and a community jewel has emerged to be celebrated by generations of Murrietans.�
The design concept emanated from the desire to enhance user interaction by creating connections with the outdoors. Sited adjacent to the pre-existing Town Square Park, the library welcomes patrons along a concrete path that continues through the center of the library and extends activity out to the park’s amphitheater. Also creating connection, the Garden of Verses is an outdoor reading area that doubles as an after-hours community gathering space with a fireplace for storytelling and landscaping reflective of the community’s character. Here, gradually appearing concrete stepping stones become whimsical carpeted stones as patrons enter the Children’s Library.
Adjacent to the Children’s Library, a flexible Community Room featuring videoconferencing capabilities is available to the community for after-hours use. Technology is also infused in the building’s computer lab, designed to allow computer instruction and internet access. Another building feature, the Heritage Room, is dedicated to preserving Murrieta’s history through the display of historical artifacts and documents.
Adjacent to the Heritage Room, a shed roof introduces soft natural north light to brighten the two-story-tall main book stacks and reading area. A flexible, spacious open plan of comfortable seating and book stacks is punctuated by strategically located library information desks. Intimate lounge seating aligns the north wall, capitalizing on sweeping park views and north light.
Carrier Johnson is a design-centered architecture and interiors firm focused on the creation of architecture for urban environments. Established in 1977 with offices in San Diego, Costa Mesa, Sacramento, and Oakland, Calif., Carrier Johnson provides original design solutions for clients in the corporate, public, hospitality and mixed-use market sectors.
Contact: Jenni Swengel, Carrier Johnson, jas@carrierjohnson.com