Forsyth Post Road

The Forsyth County Public Library System invited Rutledge Alcock Architects, as part of a select group of regional firms, to submit a conceptual design proposal to be considered for their new Post Road Library facility.  Design decisions were driven by the desire to capture natural light and moderate both its quantity and quality within the building.  Daylight enters through large, North-facing horizontal glass openings fitted with light shelves to maximize the penetration of light deep into the space.  This strategy greatly reduces the overall electrical load and magnifies the presence of natural light near the building’s core.  A range of seating types throughout the structure yields room for more than 125 library patrons to sit, read, or study with varying levels of privacy.  Rainfall is harvested and stored in a large reflecting pool in the rear courtyard to be used for onsite irrigation.  An outdoor pavilion situated within the reflecting pool functions as an outdoor reading area as well as a gathering space for children’s storytelling.  At more than 23,000 sf, this scheme has the capacity to house 95,000 print volumes, audio-visual equipment, includes an assembly hall for 80 people, and myriad other library materials.