The new Walnut Creek Library is the culmination of the community’s vision and years of planning. The design is not only an efficient solution to the building program, but also a synthesis of the disparate desires of the community and user groups into one cohesive whole. Although the new library more than quadruples the size of the former building in Civic Park, re-siting of the new building resulted in a net gain in green space in the park, as well as stronger connections with Walnut Creek’s civic center and downtown commercial districts. 

The new library incorporates a wide variety of green design strategies, including daylight harvesting, an advanced mechanical system, and recycled materials. The placement of 80% of parking spaces under the building and plaza areas reduces the heat island effect of paving as well as preserving space in Civic Park.