The group focused on generalities rather than specifics, brainstorming about how outdoor spaces might be used and how they might feel (peaceful, active, etc.).
It was pointed out by a participant that the Mission Hills neighborhood is severely lacking in the amount of green space that it should have for its density and population, according to City of San Diego guidelines-the new library is a wonderful opportunity to help green up the neighborhood!
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- Landscaping of front of building, along Washington Avenue, should make a prominent Green statement, providing a visual and physical respite from the unremitting expanse of asphalt that makes up that corridor now. Some shade trees along the street would be welcomed.
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- An outdoor, green community gathering space would allow people to come together at the library; after all, one of San Diego’s greatest natural assets is our mild weather. This area could be used for a variety of purposes, including events such as musical performances, readings, fund-raisers. Ideally this space would flow from one of the larger community room so that there can be a nice flow between interior and exterior spaces. One person mentioned space at Scripps Ranch that has chairs and an outdoor fireplace-here is a quote from that participant: “The nicest patio area I’ve seen is still the Scripps Ranch one. It serves many functions including a place for teens to go to study and talk all they want without disturbing the interior areas. The tiles were a fund-raising effort of the Friends and they still sell some after ten years.” Another person mentioned the way the plaza at the Pacific Beach library flows into the room where art exhibits are held, allowing several hundred people to gather and mingle.
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- Smaller green outdoor spaces for quiet reading. These are visualized as tucked-in corners where folks can sit comfortably, in the shade, and read a book, work on laptops, etc.
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- Underground parking is a top priority; this allows more of the site’s footprint to be usable space rather than covered with a concrete parking lot. While parking is of course a vitally important aspect of this new library and the expense of under-grounding the parking is not inconsequential, the group felt that the gain in usable space is critical.
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- Retention of existing mature trees on the site is important, as well as planting more trees. Well-placed shade-whether living plant material or some sort of shade structure (trellis, canopy, etc.)-is important so that people can use outdoor spaces in all seasons.
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- One participant suggested creating green usable space, perhaps a garden, up on the building’s roof. Not only does this maximize the site footprint, but it also would provide: an urban feeling; possibly a view of the canyon located off of University; and perhaps energy savings, as green rooftops help to deflect heat.
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- Several participants requested that the outdoor spaces/plants/etc., have a more urban feel as our location is definitely urban (as opposed to those libraries, such as the Scripps Ranch branch, located in more suburban areas with more land). No specifics were given as to what this might mean in terms of design. One person suggested playing with the idea of an “urban canyon” in some way, emphasizing our location in the city but near canyons.
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- Several people thought that it was important for there to be a link, visually, at least, but preferably physically, between the Florence Elementary campus and the library.
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- One person requested that there be a drive-up book depository so that one would not have to leave one’s car to return a book (don’t know if this is feasible in a security-conscious world!).
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(The following two points were not part of the group’s discussion but came to the group’s reporter during others’ reports).
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- Several community groups within Mission Hills have considered the idea of having some sort of community bulletin board located in the neighborhood (there is such a thing in South Park, for example). Perhaps somehow cleverly incorporate a community activity bulletin board, visible from outside the library, to those walking by, into the design?
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- Perhaps somewhere near the children’s area, plant a children’s garden of some sort, with a particular theme (the alphabet, animals, Dr. Seuss).
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