The proposed design for the Troy Public Library introduces a bold contemporary presence within the city’s municipal center. This multi-story structure is characterized by strong horizontal and vertical lines that form a distinct rectilinear silhouette prioritizing clarity, simplicity, and purposeful function over ornamentation.
A prominent flat roof with deep overhangs accentuates the building’s horizontal profile while providing passive solar shading and shelter.
Constructed with a mass timber structure and cross-laminated timber (CLT), the building projects warmth and tactility. Its natural materiality creating a comforting counterpoint to the crisp geometry of its form. Expansive glass facades invite natural light deep into the interior spaces while creating visual transparency and a dynamic relationship between the library and its surroundings.
Set within existing municipal land, the site is reimagined with a natural wetland landscape of tall grasses, native trees, and curated greenery. A meandering boardwalk leads visitors through this rejuvenated setting toward the entrance, with outdoor seating areas encouraging year-round engagement. The integration of landscape and architecture blurs the threshold between indoors and outdoors, reinforcing the library as a civic commons.
By embracing light, space, and ecological sensitivity, the design reflects a forward-looking commitment to community, sustainability, and timeless architectural clarity.