Background

The engineers chose to design a public Sustainable Library for the Freshman Design project that would positively impact the community in different ways. The finalized bilding would enrich the Upper Darby area and educate the people on the implementation of sustainability in buildings. Ultimately the library wou benefit the planet as well by raising more people who are aware of the world’s problems. The intended design was a building that efficiently used resources and has a small ecological footprint. To achieve this, they focused on creating a thick envelope, an efficient HVAC system, a clean energy sytem and low water usage. Many of the challenges that were faced pertained to the information available at given times and designing all the different parts of the library in tandem as well as making sure that the library came together cohesively. Additionally, maintaining constant communication between team members and dividing work equality was essential to completing every task. The main focus when creating the library was how the envelope, HVAC system, ventilation, water system, and energy system would all be able to work together in unity. The final design, a two-story library with green roof and net zero energy has efficiently incorporated each of these factors in an innovative and aesthetic way.