Poke
Pavilion Design in Central Park, New York
Central Park Book Studio
Hosted by Switch Competition, 2019
Collaboration with: Arun Sai Krishnan
The competition called to design a pavilion structure in the park that would house a public library/reading studio with an aim to promote a reading culture among the general public and visitors.
The proposal should aim to create a
new-age library typology that would break away from the formal environment of existing libraries of the world.
Location: Sheep Meadow, Central Park, New York
Total Built-Up - 3131.2sq.ft
FORM DEVELOPMENT
The name POKE was given in reference to the structure poking through the fabric of the earth. The angular sharpness is a striking contrast against the backdrop of the site. The form of the book studio that has been achieved is different from a typical four post library.
The concept is derived from an open book. The form reinterprets the image of a reading space. It serves as a an eye catching feature in the park.
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
MEZZANINE FLOOR PLAN
The goal of the design was to maximize the light entering the structure. This mimics a typical Sunday laze at Sheep Meadow, encouraging people of all ages to take a book and read. The green walls within the structure brings a bit of the nature inside.
The materials chosen were light in nature to have a low impact on the site. The materials used were a wooden deck for the mezzanine, the curtain wall is used as the primary wall of the structure. The roof upon which the berm is resting is made out of wood.
SECTIONAL VIEW
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC VIEW
Next up: Ligne
©2025 Theertha Shetty