Project: Mid-Continent Public Library – Colbern Rd Branch

The new Colbern Rd branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library System is brand new and over twice the size of the previous branch at 33,000 sq ft. The new branch will bring such resources to the community as an enclosed community room for up to 240 people; a children’s room seating up to 106; multiple smaller collaboration rooms; co-working space for new entrepreneurs and small businesses; a space for teens; and a coffee and refreshment shop/café.

The library design draws inspiration from proximity to the local airport in Lee’s Summit by integrating multiple paper airplane shapes through out the space adding a whimsical feel while creating visual interest and introducing acoustical benefit (the airplanes are individually mixed construction of acrylic and recycled polyester material). Using an architectural cylinder light as provided here in the Hall LED Ceiling Evo from Esse-Ci allowed for exact positioning of the light source without visually distracting from the design theme. The mini and small sized were used throughout the main spaces of the library, while the large size with high lumen output was used to illuminate the main entryways with high ceilings.

In the café, the Gates from CDS Lighting hangs over the bar/service area and pairs with the same cylindrical shape as the Hall LED Ceiling Evo, while adding a concrete housing as a natural element to add texture and pair nicely with the wood accents and raw concrete flooring.