# 9. Cesar Chavez Library
Overview
- Location: Laveen, AZ
- Building type(s): Library
- New construction
- 25,200 sq. feet (2,340 sq. meters)
- Project scope: a single building
- Urban setting
- Completed January 2007
The Cesar Chavez Library is integrated into a park made of mounded earth adjacent to a large constructed lake—a remnant from mid-20th century water attitudes. Unlike climates that will have rain every week, the desert is a unique circumstance that requires special consideration of water as well as energy conservation. The limitations imposed by the site, and these values, developed the innovations to be discussed in later measures.
This project was chosen as an AIA Committee on the Environment Top Ten Green Project for 2008. It was submitted by Line and Space, LLC, in Tucson, Arizona. Additional project team members are listed on the “Process” screen.
Environmental Aspects
The desert environment presented several challenges that created opportunities for green building strategies. Extensive overhangs protect the building from solar heat gain and glare. Owner & Occupancy
Window walls provide daylighting and views to the outdoors.
Roof-top rainwater collection provides water for irrigation, and low-flow fixtures indoors limit potable water use.
To lessen cooling needs, the building was built into the site and bermed with excavated earth.
Owned and occupied by City of Phoenix, Local government
Typically occupied by 26 people, 40 hours per person per week; and 6,400 visitors per week, 1 hour per visitor per week.
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