Close up of exterior sign in front of the Martindale-Brightwood Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library
Projects
Civic & Municipal Projects
Martindale-Brightwood Library

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Key Details New Design of a 15,000 sf Community Library

Status Complete

Client Indianapolis Marion County Public Library

Role Program Management I Architectural Design I Design Production I Construction Administration

It was critical that the new community library represent and reflect the tradition and history of the storied people there. The program for the Martindale-Brightwood library branch called on METICULOUS to connect the rich history of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood with a facility that embraces growth within the community and individuals. Clean lines, a variety of light levels, and many other architectural elements were used to reflect the integrity, community, cultural stability, and empowering nature of the neighborhood.

The exterior cladding of the branch was inspired by West African Kente Cloth that adorned kings and queens. As a metaphor for community resilience, the pixelated colors mimic an oak tree progressing through seasons of life. The interior is also divided into seasons ranging from children to seniors.
The library includes a children’s story theater, a large public meeting room, a soft seating room, fireplace, and a ‘cityscape’ feature wall in the children’s area. The design concept endeavors to project a ‘rebirth’ of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood through the use of modern materials and exterior forms.