“The Joshua Tree is the silhouette that reminds those of us who live here that we are home”

The Joshua Tree is represented as a tree of knowledge and perseverance and takes a focal position within a biophilic courtyard to help to create a deep and sensual experience for people who wish to come to sit, read, or reflect.

A portico spanning the entrance and courtyard creates a loop of the scheme, helping circulation and providing a physical yet transparent barrier to separate public/private spaces. This transparency is juxtaposed within the cladding for the rigid element of the library that houses services and deliveries.

The library spans four levels, each with its own unique experience, and three segments, crowned with a large green roof and pitch with skylights. This is connected via bridges that span across a feature staircase along the central section.

The portico connects the library, dementia centre and café, which all interact via the courtyard.