LEXINGTON, Ky., September 28, 2017 — EOP Architects received one of only two Honor Awards from the AIA Kentucky at the Ohio Valley Regional Conference in Indianapolis today for its renovation and addition of the Paris-Bourbon County Public Library. The Honor Award is the highest given by the American Institute of Architects in recognition of excellence in design and environmental stewardship.
“The exciting design has drawn new library users and visitors from all around Kentucky and surrounding states,” says Mark Adler, library director. “Foot traffic and library use have dramatically increased since we opened and staff is excited to continue welcoming our public into their library.”
“The addition embodies the agrarian heart of Bourbon County using reclaimed wood, hand-crafted metalwork and natural limestone hewn from the site,” comments EOP Associate J. Harding Dowell, AIA, the project manager. “The renovation brings abundant natural light into the historic building, and creates a flexible, unified space for the library to expand programming, encourage lifelong learning and support holistic literacy.”
The library was featured on the cover of American Libraries, the magazine of the American Library Association, for its selection in the 2016 Library Design Showcase.
AIA Jury’s Comments:
“Skillful integration of the new addition to the existing Carnegie Library. The proportion and use of materials establishes a strong synergy between the two buildings, creating a harmonious contemporary design celebrating the historic importance of the library. The transparency at night is excellent and creates a welcoming invitation.”