• Nigel Young

    Nigel Young

  • Nigel Young

    Nigel Young

  • Nigel Young

    Nigel Young

  • Nigel Young

    Nigel Young

  • Nigel Young

    Nigel Young

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Adaptive Reuse

2020 WAN Awards entry: Apple Carnegie Library - Foster + Partners

Apple Carnegie Library by Foster + Partners is an entry in the Adaptive Reuse category of the 2020 WAN Awards

by Copy taken from 2020 entry 12 May 2020 2020

Located at the heart of Washington DC, Apple Carnegie Library marks the revitalisation of an important monument in the city’s history. As the city’s first public library, and its first desegregated public building, the Carnegie Library of Washington DC played a central role in community life for over 70 years since its opening in 1903.

After a period of neglect, Apple Carnegie Library continues the traditions of the building by creating a new platform for learning, performance and art for a new generation.

The listed Beaux-Arts style building has been restored to its previous grandeur, with entrances on both sides of the north-south axis, creating an inviting urban route through the building. The southern entrance, which was the original entrance to the library, is fronted by a grand plaza that will host public concerts and events. The heart of the building has been transformed into a soaring double-height space, capped by a new skylight that brings natural light deep into the interior spaces. Here, the Forum forms the vibrant, creative hub of the building, where experts from various fields will entertain and inspire the local people.

The entire palette of materials used in the interior was chosen to suit the historic surroundings, inspired by the distinctive early 20th century detailing in the building. The project is driven by a very sustainable agenda, which included upgrading the historic building by reintroducing natural ventilation and the generous use of daylight, as well as a commitment to locally sourced materials.

All the information about how to enter the 2020 WAN Awards is here.  

We are very happy to offer support so please don’t hesitate to email Georgia, WAN Awards Event Coordinator with any questions at [email protected].  

Last year more than 40 countries took part in the WAN Awards with strong showings from Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. And we saw some truly outstanding projects, take a look at the winners from last year here.

Foster & Partners
United States

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