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City library snags design award

The new library wins top honors in a statewide interior design competition.

By LORRI HELFAND
Published November 29, 2005

LARGO - Patrons like Michael Lyons call Largo's new library "beautiful, spacious and comfortable."

Now the facility has won over the design community, too.

This month, the $21-million library won top honors from the state chapter of the International Interior Design Association. The networking and educational design group spotlighted the library in its government-institutional category.

A few of the library's elements that stood out were the use of color, variety of well-developed spaces, integration of exterior finishes with interior areas and effective use of natural materials, said Elaine Petersen, Forum Awards design committee chairwoman.

It all adds up to a building that is inviting and homey. Most of the 90,300-square-foot Largo Public Library, which opened July 31, is decorated in a mix of warm neutral colors with brushed aluminum, soft teal and cherry wood accents.

Other areas have more punch. The children's wing is lined with reading "porches" composed of geometric panels of lime, banana, blueberry and grape. Make-believe clouds and flowerpots add a touch of whimsy. The walls of the teen room are enhanced by an edgy mix of black, gold, chartreuse and raspberry.

"I like the open space and the clean architecture," said Jim Younghaus of Austin, Texas, clutching a stack of books Monday. Younghaus stopped by the library with his father, Al, who lives in Belleair Bluffs.

Lyons, a seasonal resident and patron of the old library, said visiting the new one was a pleasant surprise.

"It kind of boggled my mind," he said.

The award went to Collman & Karsky Architects in association with Leo A. Daly's architectural and design firm on Nov. 12 at the design association's eighth annual Forum Awards Design Competition Gala at the Grand Hyatt of Tampa Bay.

The association also announced awards for commercial, health care, hospitality and single-family residential projects.

"It was extremely gratifying," library director Casey McPhee said of the recognition. "We put a lot of effort into making sure the finish colors and design elements were consistent and appealing to the eye."

[Last modified November 29, 2005, 02:15:28]