Inspired by the great Beaux Arts civic institutions constructed over 100 years ago, the overall intent with the Riverside Main Library was to create a civic gathering spot in a modern vocabulary that honors the diversity, resiliency and future of the region.
The suspended, four-story library sits atop two large concrete cores that also house the building's systems. Wrapping around each of the cores are smaller structures of metal and glass, adding variation of color and texture to the exterior. Most of the library program is contained on the third floor, elevated 36 ft above ground to highlight nearby mountain views.