An inclusive public involvement process distilled the vision of civic leaders, social activists, and members of the local BIPOC community embodied in this 13,700sf community building. The result—a non-traditional solution encompassing artist-in-residence / maker studios, gallery area, flexible teaching / meeting rooms, and offices. Access is by library card and citizens can reserve space for civic and professional groups, training and club meetings, while artists can work on site as approved for days, weeks or months at a time.

Design takes contextual inspiration from its location on a gritty arterial street with mixed businesses and warehouses, embracing cost effective materials like painted CMU blocks and polished concrete. Animated, simple gestures of bright color, neon signage, and whimsey create a welcoming ‘buzz’ on the commercial strip and present the building as billboard with ‘architecture for 40 mph’. Human-scaled spaces organized along a shared spine function as an informal gathering and gallery area with a retail-like character.

Building orientation highlights artist studios which currently feature an indigenous canoe maker, weaver, and painter. Visually accessible and transparent for vibrancy day and night, The Hive puts activities and learning on display. The Hive is an unconventional representation of what a contemporary library can be, bringing together similar yet subtly different functions under one roof to serve city-wide learning and creativity at all hours.