Adjaye wins Florida library commission

Adjaye Associates has been picked to lead on the design of a $30m library and events centre for Winter Park City in Florida.

The practice will work with local firm HuntonBrady Architects on the building, starting this month.

Winter Park, which is part of the Orlando metropolitan area, cited Adjaye’s Idea Stores in east London in saluting his “field-leading” expertise in library design.

It also referenced his neighbourhood libraries in Washington DC, and his recently-completed National Museum of African-American History and Culture in the US capital.

Mayor of Winter Park Steve Leary said the city was eager to begin working with the “world-class team” of Adjaye and HuntonBrady.

Adjaye said Winter Park’s vision for the project “truly embraced” the continued evolution of the library in the 21st century.

“With a diverse program that recognizes it as a critical piece of cultural infrastructure, this will be a dynamic space for shared education, recreation and interaction,” he said.

“I am thrilled to be working with the city on a design that I hope can become a true beacon for its neighbourhood, with resonance for the entire community.”

Winter Park last year approved the launch of a $30m bond to finance the library’s construction.