11.15.2019 | DIGS.NET 35
IN RESTORING
THE SWEEPING,
HISTORIC BEAUX-
ARTS BUILDING THAT
HOSTS THE NEWLY
DEBUTED APPLE
FLAGSHIP, FOSTER +
PARTNERS (WORKING
IN COLLABORATION
WITH THE APPLE
DESIGN TEAM)
GRACED THE APPLE
CARNEGIE LIBRARY
WITH A GRACEFUL,
MODERN DESIGN
THAT IS RESPONSIVE
TO INNOVATION AND
PUBLIC CONNECTION.
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e entire place is a study in innovation, not
least the procession of architectural improvements
that included preserving the historic Vermont
marbled facades and sculpture, as well as restoring
original footprints to interior spaces and the
detailing characteristic of early 20th century design.
Decorative restraint is a hallmark of the project,
making for spaces that are gracious, open and bright.
ese attributes, along with a glossy white and black
palette, sinuous wood furnishings, clean product
displays, judicious hints of color, and tall leafy trees
offers a cool contemporary tone in the retail space
that complements the historic story of the building
at large. A new skylight flood spaces with sunlight
and its soft rays soar to a crescendo in the building's
double-height space. Dual entrances on both sides of the north-south axis were installed to create a welcoming
urban route; the original entrance to the library, meanwhile, now fronts a grand plaza that hosts a variety of events
for the public, while also fostering a sense of the interactive that backbones the Apple brand.
In the same spirit, the Apple Carnegie Library communicates contemporary design broadly, bringing
together the community and, architecturally, different eras where none compete for any crown. e result—a
building preserved and a grandeur restored—is a triumph for all. fosterandpartners.com
