Blasco Library, Idea Lab and Teen Center

Client Name

Erie County Public Library

Project Type

Renovation

Location

Erie, PA

Size

Idea Lab: 11,500 SF | Teen Center: 4,100 SF

Markets

Libraries

The signature new space for the project is the Idea Lab, a large, glass enclosed multi-use room that is part maker space, part meeting room, and part showcase for collaboration. It is designed as a platform for both library-facilitated programs and peer to peer community-facilitated programs. The Idea Lab concept represents an emerging line of library services and the space at Blasco allows ECPL to demonstrate a commitment and investment in these new services in a highly visible, central location.

Near the Idea Lab in the main entryway is a new media lab, which is an enclosed and sound reinforced space designed for sound and video recording & editing, plus other tech-driven forms of creation.

The Teen Center was completed to provide a space for teens designed with valuable input from teens. Spaces include a TED talk stage, activities area, computer work areas, various gathering spaces, and an office for the Teen Space Manager. The space was designed to provide a place for teens to socialize, to work, and to share activities together. The design offers flexibility in the spaces to allow reconfiguration as needed.