desert broom public library

The Desert Broom Library includes a collection of 61,000 volumes, which will expand to an ultimate collection size of 100,000. The building also houses a multi-purpose meeting room, computer training room, group study area, youth/teen space, periodicals living room, and staff support spaces.

Borrowing from the symbiotic relationship of young saguaro cacti and its nurse tree along the arroyos edge, the expansive roof creates a shaded microclimate, providing filtered daylight, shelter, and a nurturing environment for intellectual growth.

The roof form extends above an adjoining arroyo 60’ out into the natural desert, creating indoor/outdoor transitional spaces providing a seamless transition into the desert. These outdoor reading spaces are enclosed and shaded by a series of coiled metal screens following the natural form of the arroyo, and are cooled by building relief air. The roof is penetrated by a series of openings allowing filtered light into the interior and exterior spaces. Each of the openings is treated with either fritted or colored glass creating an ever-changing series of colors and patterns throughout the space, culminating in celebration above the children’s area.

Within the framework of the roof, a series of volumes contain the meeting room, information cubes, staff, and computer training areas. Mechanical systems are enclosed within these volumes completely eliminating ductwork and allowing for indirect lighting throughout. Above each of the primary service points within the building “Digital Information Cubes” display ever-changing representations of digital information which can be seen from the exterior during the evening.

The successful response to the programmatic needs of the community it serves has made Desert Broom a rich and vital part of this Cave Creek neighborhood.