BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH LIBRARIES
We design libraries as essential assets to strengthen and support resilient communities.
FGMA brings a dialog-driven approach to library design. We center best practices and community guidance to co-create spaces for educational clients and municipalities.
LIBRARY PROJECTS
Farmington Library
Farmington Library
Farmington Library
Farmington Library
Carol Stream Library Renovation
Carol Stream Library Renovation
Carol Stream Library Renovation
Bensenville Library Children's Room Addition
Bensenville Library Children's Room Addition
Bensenville Library Children's Room Addition
Bensenville Library Children's Room Addition
Oak Park Maze Library Addition and Renovation
Oak Park Maze Library Addition and Renovation
Oak Park Maze Library Addition and Renovation
Oak Park Maze Library Addition and Renovation
Designing for Neurodiverse Populations
Neurodiversity is one of many factors to consider when designing for community inclusion. Our team embraces empathic design, including incorporations of sensory rooms, wellness rooms, quiet rooms, biophilic materials, light level considerations, a variety of furniture types and arrangements, and alternative signage and wayfinding that incorporates color and graphics for patrons that find it challenging to absorb information through traditional font-based signage.
Centering Inclusivity in Design
Libraries exist to bring communities together. Human connections can be supported through learning, exchange of ideas, research and play, but not everyone experiences these connections the same way. Race, gender, religion, sexual preference, ability and culture are all unique lenses through which spaces are viewed. Individuals will thrive when they feel included, engaged and empowered.
We achieve this by ensuring that all patrons can navigate the library comfortably and incorporate design elements that celebrate diversity and go above and beyond accessibility standards to create welcoming spaces.
Libraries must be designed to provide a welcoming space for everyone and adapt to the ever-changing needs of the community. FGMA brings inclusive, supportive, flexible spaces to support the library and community at large.
Design values for libraries
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Design with empathy
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Position the library as the service center of the community
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Create spaces that empower individual growth
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Design for everyone, not the majority
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Enhance the unique community culture
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Bridge the inequity gaps within the community
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Design for today and future needs