Adams Street Library

Dorchester, Massachusetts

The completion of the Adams Branch Library demonstrates a significant and enduring collaboration with the Dorchester community. The building is designed as an asymmetric wedge, a small portion of which is removed from the southern side to create a charming garden. The building’s folded roof design directs rainwater towards this rain garden, promoting smart water usage and sustainable principles. This southern garden is thoughtfully filled with native plants, enhancing the local ecosystem. Informational tags are placed near the plants to provide educational material about the native flora for visitors to learn from and appreciate.

The site’s northern end features a distinctive building cut-out to accommodate an existing majestic oak tree, which defines a patio area. The preservation of the tree and its usage as a focal point of the northern outdoor space was in response to the community’s wishes. Additionally, precast benches are strategically placed to enclose the area, forming a cozy, outdoor reading space for visitors.

LOCATION
Dorchester, MA

CLIENT
City of Boston Property and Construction Management Department

ARCHITECT
NADAAA

FACILITY
Library

STATUS
Completed 2021

SCOPE
Landscape Architecture