Grimshaw Elementary Library Receives AIA CNY's People's Choice Award
LaFayette Central School District’s Grimshaw Elementary Library renovation was selected as the “People’s Choice Award” at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) CNY’s Celebration of Architecture. This award was voted on by attendees at the Celebration of Architecture on November 17, 2023. Attendees voted for their favorite project out of all 13 design award winners. In addition to the People’s Choice Award, the Grimshaw Elementary School Library Renovation also received a Citation for Design during the ceremony. The project was the centerpiece of LaFayette Central School District’s 2020 Capital Project.
The Grimshaw Elementary’s Library has been reimagined as a 21st-century open floor plan with various zones for learning, working, gathering, and reading. The library aims to encourage exploration, accommodate multiple types of groups and activities, and connect educational pursuits. The design inspiration came from fantasy fiction novels, resulting in a fantasy landscape that encourages exploration, learning, and dreaming. The library features trees that serve as landmarks and gathering spaces, color-coded bookstacks for different reading levels, and furniture that suits individual learning styles while the Makerspace area is more angular and futuristic, allowing for science and technology exploration. The library will…
Be a portal to learning that encourages exploration, experimentation, and embracing individual interests and curiosities.
Be a welcoming place for all by accommodating multiple types of groups, activities, and functions.
Be the link that connects and unifies individual (person, class, grade level) educational, aspirational, and personal pursuits in service of the greater community. (school community, district community, and beyond).
The award jury specifically praised the project for its ceiling design as well as its unique wood glazing.
Congratulations to the design team and thank you to everyone who voted for the project!
