Louisville Free Public Library South Central Regional Branch Louisville, Kentucky

Services Provided

Sustainable Design
Landscape Architecture
Construction Documentation

People Involved

Andy Knight
Ryan Blume

Awards & Certification

LEED Gold
2019 AIA/American Library Association Library Building Award

New regional library extends the indoor experience to outdoor gathering spaces for visitors.

MKSK worked with Louisville Free Public Library to design and construct a new regional library in south Louisville. Covered with existing mature trees, MKSK worked closely with the client and the design team to position the building and parking on the site in a manner that retains a majority of the tree canopy and incorporates them into the overall experience of the library for visitors and staff. 

The plan proposed expansive views from within the library to the woodland setting. A large tree-covered island within the permeable parking areas that includes areas for reading and outdoor gathering, effectively extends the library experience into the surrounding landscape. 

MKSK also worked closely with the project team to develop a building and site design that would achieve LEED Gold status. The site design strategies include sustainable stormwater management, protecting existing mature trees, and integrating local and regional materials and native plants, all to support a now LEED Gold certified public library and cultural centerpiece for the community.

Sustainable Design Integration

Diagram depicting the interconnected relationship between the existing tree canopy and the library building placement

Diagram illustrating the network of stormwater strategies including permeable paving and bioswales

Diagram illustrating the reduction of pavement with one way traffic flow and angled parking

Diagram of accessible pedestrian circulation and connection to outdoor spaces adjacent to the library and within the existing woodland

Placement of site furnishings within the existing woodlands for outdoor gathering and studying

Study model exploring building placement and optimal solar orientation, and circulation and parking lot development that preserves a maximum amount of existing tree canopy.