The Albuquerque and Bernalillo Counties announced the development of a library in the International District in 2007 to serve as an investment in the community. Public workshops provided a clear plan for not only a conventional library but also for a central hub for the local community.
PROJECT
The Albuquerque Public Library system first opened in 1901, serving an estimated 28,000 Bernalillo County residents. Over 120 years later, the library has expanded to include 19 branches located in Albuquerque and throughout the county, serving more than 1.1 million residents in the metropolitan area.
The Albuquerque and Bernalillo Counties announced the development of a library in the International District in 2007 to serve as an investment in the community. Public workshops provided a clear plan for not only a conventional library but also for a central hub for the local community.
PROJECT ASK
Residents of the two counties requested a Children’s Activity Room, an Early Literacy Center, and an amphitheater. Notably, the Community Room features a wooden floor, paying homage to the building’s previous life as a dance club. Project engineers knew that they would need an air distribution delivery that accommodated the library’s many multi-purpose rooms. Given the library’s constant influx of people, uniform room temperature, effective humidity control, and air quality were top of mind.
After ruling out drop ceilings and overhead systems, they turned to the experts at AirFixture to design a custom underfloor air distribution (UFAD) system for the library branch. AirFixture UFAD systems are actually very quiet, rated at Noise Criterion level 17 (NC-17), making them a perfect fit for libraries. With a focus on the natural environment, RMKM Architects' energy-saving design capitalized on the natural light from both clerestory windows and skylights. The challenge for AirFixture was to design curved linear trench heaters and grilles that followed the natural curvature of the walls.
AIRFIXTURE SOLUTION
The final design featured a raised access floor by Tate, strategically placed diffusers throughout the 25,000-square-foot space, including isolated reading and activity areas, and trench heaters along the perimeter of the building. To let the architectural design remain the focal point of the building, the team designed Continuous Linear Water Modular Integrated Terminals (CLWMIT) to sit flush with the flooring and blend in with the surrounding design. The raised access floor allowed for the easy installation of electrical and data cabling, providing flexibility and adaptability as the library's needs evolve. To provide a steady supply of clean air throughout the library, the AirFixture team knew that our MIT3-CS diffusers would be the perfect fit. Each diffuser provides fresh, temperature-controlled air to the breathing zone quietly and efficiently.
The AirFixture team designed and produced the units at their Kansas City facility, saving the client time and money and allowing for a custom-made solution. AirFixture’s ability to provide curved linear grilles for continuous perimeter heating/cooling for large glass front windows was visually striking.
RESULTS
The approximately $16.5 million project now serves more than 30,000 residents of the incredibly diverse International District, providing access in a welcoming and environmentally conscious setting to books, technology, community meeting spaces, and social services.
Reaping the benefits of the reduced costs for heating, cooling, and air distribution, the Albuquerque Public Library system is able to continue its investment in public services. In May 2023, the library announced a major technology upgrade, giving users access to a large digital catalog of books and resources and an app for easy accessibility.
