The Far Rockaway Library in Queens is designed as a collaboration between Snøhetta and Brooklyn-based contemporary artist José Parlá to reflect Far Rockaway's diversity and dynamism.
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy nearly destroyed the surrounding Rockaway community. In the aftermath of the storm, the existing 1968 library building provided disaster relief to residents.
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It was a lifeline, becoming a meeting point, a food and supply distribution center, and more.
Serving as a community gathering place and resource for knowledge, the library symbolizes resilience. The library empowered collective action, and in turn, became a symbol of hope.
The design to replace the original library aims to amplify its role in the community even further, serving as a hub for learning and exchange.
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From its open massing to its facade, the Library was a collaboration with Parlá to translate Far Rockaway's rich cityscape and collective energy.
Located at the prominent intersection of Mott and Central Avenues, the library's façade features custom panels designed by Parlá that visually reflect the city's vibrant cultural history. In turn, it draws on the many languages that are spoken in Far Rockaway and movement along the street.
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The idea for the library's simple form provides a calm contrast to the visual noise of surrounding retail outlets. At the same time, it reinterprets the traditional New York City public library typology as a repository for books, integrating the building with diverse collaboration and social spaces, including a teen room and private meeting centers. Doubling the area of library spaces, the design creates a renewed visual identity for one of the borough's most ethnically diverse communities.
