Far Rockaway Library

Far Rockaway's new public library reflects in its architecture the creativity and vibrance of its neighborhood. The facade is a fully custom glass curtain wall system, fritted with larger-than-life artwork on its two major streetfronts, drawn by Brooklyn-based contemporary artist, José Parlá. The white linework of the artwork layers atop a freeform gradient of colors drawn from the area's striking orange and pink sunsets.

Each of the over 120 unique glass facade panels is digitally printed with a thin layer of colored ceramic. The ceramic layer does not cover the entire face of the glass, but is composed of small dots with space in between. This pattern is carefully calibrated so that each panel has a specific ratio of opaque to transparent surface area, the density of each panel defined by the unique interior needs of the building.

Areas that are within the lowest 6 feet of the facade, for example, have more openness to the dot pattern, allowing greater visibility through the glass for people standing or sitting. Meanwhile, areas that are higher have more coverage with the opaque ceramic, because there is no need for direct visibility and the coverage balances any solar heat gain.

The elegance of the facade design lies in how invisible this technical calibration is. Visitors do not notice the variation of facade opacity based on a detailed energy model, even though it serves to give them beautiful views and a comfortable interior. Instead, they see the view of the city through the glass and reflecting off of it, provide ever-changing views of the surrounding streets of Far Rockaway, Queens.