El Gabilan Library
Salinas, Calif.
Award of Merit
Owner: Salinas Public Facilities Inc.; City of Salinas
Developer: Griffin | Swinerton
Lead Design Firm/Architect: Anderson Brulé Architects Inc.
General Contractor/Construction Manager at-Risk: Swinerton
Civil Engineer: Ifland Engineers
Structural Engineer: Biggs Cardosa
MEP Engineer: Axiom Engineers
Landscape Architect: BFS Landscape Architects
Project Manager: Aurum Consulting Engineers
Subcontractors: DTR Consulting Services; Charles M. Salter Associates Inc.; C2 Green Solutions; Matthew Williams Design
This 20,800- sq-ft library replaced a 4,000-sq-ft structure to provide Salinas with a space dedicated to lifelong learning. The building has a curved shape and a compound radius roof structure. Those elements escalated costs and required coordination of onsite performance mock-ups, schedule planning and advanced BIM modeling. The library’s sustainability features include high-performance window glazing to temper heat while maximizing daylight, clerestory glazing that allows natural light and roof overhangs for shade. LED lighting is placed throughout the building, with daylight sensors for enhanced energy efficiency. The team created a children’s area, an outdoor learning and play area and separate spaces for teens. The library also hosts a makerspace and digital arts lab with classes open to the public. A large community room has accompanying outdoor space for events and concerts.
