KTU+A

Mission Valley Library

KTU+A provided landscape architectural services for the new Mission Valley Branch Library, a 16,500 SF facility on a two-acre site. The landscape design of the library reflects the image of the nearby San Diego River by integrating the river context with the building to create an inviting indoor-outdoor relationship. “Riparian” (referring to a river bank) trees, shrubs, flowering bulbs and perennials with river cobbles pay tribute to the nearby river. Outdoor gathering areas serve as quiet and secure reading areas, with the flexibility to utilize the outdoor areas for presentations, meetings or group activities. Other site features include cobble-lined walkways providing a visual and physical connection between the library and parking area; a “river sculpture” seat wall in the reading plaza; and a vine-covered panel to screen the adjacent building.