2015 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards – Cedar Rapids Public Library

The 2015 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards were created by the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) to distinguish accomplishments in library architecture.



The Cedar Rapids Public Library by OPN Architects is one of the six libraries selected for the 2015 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards, created by the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) to distinguish accomplishments in library architecture and taking into account the new role of libraries in the digital era.



The Cedar Rapids Public Library was built on the site of the former library that was damaged beyond repair by a flood that swept through Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2008. 
The new building was designed by OPN Architects to achieve LEED Platinum certification, combining and integrating sustainable features into the design, which includes lots of natural light, geothermal heating, systems to harvest rainwater as well as a green roof and pervious paving in the parking area – which can all adapt to the changing needs of users and the community.



So, the Cedar Rapids Public Library obviously offers the classic functions of a library for consultation and study but it has expanded its sphere of action to become a cultural centre, also because it is in a central position near the city park and art museum. The architects have set the glass façade back, to further engage with the city plaza this has created.

The library has excellent access to public transport and is connected to the bike path, encouraging users to leave their cars at home, as another reduction in the environmental impact of this building that, despite it being 929 square metres bigger than the former library, consumes less than a third of the energy per square metre! Electricity and water consumption is monitored and communicated directly to the users to educate them in sustainability.



The project flagship is the accessible green roof, a space for the community and for initiatives organised by the library that has become the new cultural landmark for Cedar Springs.

(Christiane Bürklein)

Project: OPN Architects
Location: Cedar Springs, Iowa, USA
Year: 2014 
Awards:  2014 Interior Design Honorable Mention –
American Library Association and the International Interior Design Association 
2014 Design is…Award – Shaw Contract Group 
2014 “Best Curb Appeal” Honorable Mention – GALE “Libraries Are Beautiful” Photo Contest
2014 Merit Award, Illuminating Engineering Society
First Place, 2014 ASHRAE Technology Award (Midwest region)
2015  AIA/ALA Library Building Awards
Images © Main Street Studio, Courtesy of AIA