The Mastics, Moriches, Shirley community's design challenge was to craft a new 60,000 square- foot library that does not overwhelm its natural, park-like setting. The result is a solution that shapes, and is shaped by the landscape being completely unified with it. 2018 AIA Long Island Chapter- Commendation, Unbuilt
The Mastics, Moriches, Shirley community’s design challenge was to craft a new 60,000 square- foot library that does not overwhelm its natural, park-like setting. The site is located within a former 100- acre golf course that will be developed as a community park with active and passive uses. To reduce the impact of the building, MWA proposed a single-story structure that uses earth berms to permit the surrounding meadow to rise over the roof of the building, providing continuity to the park. The result is a solution that shapes and is shaped by the landscape being completely unified with it.
Patrons cross through a wooded buffer of remnant pine barrens, which separates the parking area from the building’s three entry courtyards- one for the main adult library entrance, a second dedicated to the teen / children’s library, and a third for the multi-use community spaces. The community rooms are grouped in a zone separated from the secure area of the library for access after-hours.
The reading areas for each constituent group line the glazed southern perimeter of the structure. This edge follows the shoreline of an expansive lake, providing exceptional views of the water and distant landscape, connecting it in spirit to the community’s unique natural resources- namely the Smith Point County Park Beach and the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge.  The building’s layout supports the Library’s mission is to be a place of growth, discovery and life-long learning.
Awards and Publications:2018 AIA Long Island Chapter- Commendation, Unbuilt