We've just posted a new project to the portfolio section of our site: Bentalou Elementary School Library. Bentalou Elementary, a Baltimore City Public School, hoped to improve literacy through independent study in a more flexible space. W designed a “learning landscape” to incorporate adventure and discovery in a student's experience of the space.

A large “park bench” doubles as a casual reading area facing the window and a docking area for computer workstations. Nine wall clocks show the time in Baltimore and in eight sister cities around the world. Behind the librarian, a former door to the space becomes a corridor display window, highlighting special reading materials, and enticing curious passing students to visit.

W Architecture & Landscape Architecture coordinated with Baltimore Head Librarian of Schools to meet challenges for supervision and visibility requirements in the 2,016 square foot space.

Check out our project page for a full description of the project, or browse the project gallery.