Below is an article by Enoch Sears, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP. The article was pulled from the newsletter to give you a feel for the content. The newsletter is meant to keep the chapter members and general public up to date with what is happening in the chapter. The printed copies are available at local architecture firms. You can also download the PDF.

New Initiatives Promise a Facelift for Fresno 1
Message from the President | Extras 2
Feature Article – Public Transit 3
Feature Article – Affordable Housing 4
Upcoming: Canstruction | Education 5
Firm and Member Profiles 6
Project Profile 7
Codes | Emerging Professionals and
Government Affairs 9
in other words… | Your Voice 10
2010 AIASJ Student Competition 11
Calendar of Events 12

Project Profile: Tulare Public Library and Council Chambers

by Enoch Sears, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

In his book Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable, marketing guru Seth Godin states that the key to success is to find a way to stand out – to be the purple cow in a field of monochrome Holsteins. If the secret to success is truly being remarkable, or as Godin clarifies, “worth making a remark about,” then the City of Tulare has struck pay dirt. Godin’s metaphor is a great way to introduce a very remarkable building set in the center of the cow capital of the United States; a true “purple cow” among Holsteins.

Designed by Architect and Partner Paul Halajian of Taylor Teter Partnership, the Tulare Library and Council Chambers goes beyond creating a building of purely sculptural quality. The designer has evidently thought deeply about referencing the local context and carrying the design methodology throughout the building. Salient design features include brightly painted steel beams, metal siding, projecting clerestory windows, and two circular towers. By pairing two seemingly contradictory elements, common industrial materials and a building of civic pride, the designer critically challenges commonly accepted paradigms of beauty while also referencing the local agricultural context.

The bold design is playful and intriguing. Some people have kidded Library Director Michael Stowell that the projecting cantilever over the City Council Chambers is a wing or giant skateboard ramp. “Once they enter the building, however, they begin to see the reasons for these elements and how they add to the design”, he comments. He is quick to mention how the aesthetics, day-lighting and design of the space will contribute to a better experience for patrons. “We are especially excited about how the teen area will engage the youth of our community,” he states.

As for the interior, Taylor Teter Architect and project team member Jamie Dronyk counts the unique inverted bowstring trusses among her favorite elements. The trusses create soaring spaces and allow natural day-lighting to bathe the interior while also exposing the beauty of the structure. The trusses themselves are constructed of parallams which have been glue-laminated, curved, and matched to steel pipe webs. Attention to detail is also apparent on the West side of the building where the exterior finishes continue through to the interior space with thoughtful detailing.

The project aims for a LEED Gold certification. The Mayor, City Council, Library Board and Library Director of Tulare are to be commended for their forward-thinking emphasis on sustainability. “Tulare’s goal is be known as a great place live, learn, play, work, worship and prosper,” states Mayor Craig Vejvoda. Halajian is pleased with the effort to gain LEED certification and stated that it was not difficult to sell the client on this goal.

The project was originally submitted under the California Library Bond Act of 2000, but was ultimately not funded under the bond. The City decided to move ahead and raise the funds elsewhere. The building encompasses approximately 31,400 sf at a construction cost of $11.6MM.

Already the building has benefited the community by encouraging dialogue about the built environment, paving the way for future innovative projects. Over the years, the strong post-modern design is sure to spark debate between residents who choose to see a skateboard ramp versus those who see an engaging and inspiring civic space. I see a purple cow.

Enoch Sears works with Christiansen Group in Visalia. He is a recent addition to the AIA San Joaquin Chapter, having relocated from Houston, TX where he was recently licensed as an architect.