These are not your typical libraries.  As part of an HLB Lighting Design multi-office and Daylighting & Sustainable Design studio collaborative effort, the Anacostia Neighborhood Library and its "sister", Tenley-Friendship bring a new style of exciting, inviting, and technologically advanced additions to the District of Columbia Public Library system.  Here innovative electric and daylighting design have been fully integrated and actively managed to create "healthier" buildings which consume less energy, address maintenance issues, and allow for direct connection by the occupants to the exterior landscapes and natural cycles of light.   Both libraries have surpassed a programmatic commitment of LEED Silver and have been awarded LEED Gold certification by the USGBC.

Designed as models for additional libraries throughout the district, all lighting is controlled utilizing a combination of daylight harvesting, occupancy sensing, lumen maintenance, time-clock control and localized switching techniques for the ultimate synthesis in energy-efficient lighting control solutions.  The HLB team worked with seamless continuity throughout the design process to establish and influence some of the architectural forms and materials to optimize their interaction with daylight in a way that would support project goals.  In the Tenley Library, HLB influenced the angle, finish, and size of perforation in the striking copper-colored exterior vertical fins minimizing glare and optimizing redirection of sunlight for a comfortable interior visual environment while maintaining the connection to exterior views.  In the Anacostia Library, HLB's daylighting analyses were performed to guide the design team in decisions regarding the fenestration, and led to the design and location of skylights and the screening of the clerestories and windows. 

As engaging civic anchors and iconic gathering places for these dense urban neighborhoods, the libraries serve as symbols of commitment to the people of the communities as well as a commitment to education, information, and our sustainable future.

Fast Facts:
Special Features: Seamless Integration of Electric and Daylighting Design
Highlights: Architecture and Light Create Beacons and Connectivity for the Urban Neighborhoods
LEED Certification:  Tenley-Friendship - LEED Gold; Anacostia Neighborhood - LEED Gold
Honors to Date:  Anacostia Neighborhood has received both the IES Illumination Award of Merit and A/L Light & Architecure Design Awards Special Citation for Design Commitment to Underserved Communities
Design Architect:  The Freelon Group
Associate Architect:  R. McGhee & Associates
Size:  Approximately 22,000 square foot each
Construction Cost: Approximately $10 million each