Miami DesignWorks: Beyond the Library Walls
The Institute works with Miami to adapt a library into an aesthetically pleasing, flexible public space better suited to changing community needs.
In 2021, stakeholders from the Miami Public Library of Miami, Oklahoma proposed a collaboration with the University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities (IQC). Each year, IQC invites advocates and stakeholders from Oklahoma communities to request assistance on planning and design of communities. IQC works with the community partner to craft a project where students and faculty at the Gibbs College of Architecture (GCA) can develop and apply their skills in a real-world scenario. This program is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Municipal League.
Project Background and Site
Driven by changes to library operations during COVID, the library sought to explore the addition of an outdoor venue to accommodate library programs and services. Library staff identified portion of a parking lot east of the building where such an outdoor space could be created. The library is located in downtown Miami, with frontage on Main Street, and also near residential neighborhoods including 140 units of affordable senior housing within one block.
About Miami
Miami is a community of 13,000 people and the county seat of Ottawa County with 30,000 residents. Ottawa County includes 9 of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations: Miami, Quapaw, Peoria, Ottawa, Eastern Shawnee, Modoc, Wyandotte, Seneca-Cayuga, and Cherokee. Located on historic Route 66, Miami has a strong collection of historic architecture with the crown jewel being the Coleman Theater. In recent years, Miami has worked through the Oklahoma Arts Council to develop a cultural district downtown, resulting in new programs and spaces like the Mural Fest and Art Park.
Process
IQC worked with library staff to develop a program and schedule for a 2-day workshop on April 11-12, 2022. During the workshop, the IQC team met with numerous stakeholder groups and developed preliminary concepts to discuss with library staff.
Results
This document includes the resulting findings, including alternative concepts, best practices, and next steps for the project.