Government

Designed by the Community, for the Community: Gunnison County Library

^{Article written by: Patrick Parker, Education + Government Marketing Manager | Published by}^{Shaw Contract}

What does it look like when a community helps design its own future?

The new Gunnison County Library in Gunnison, Colorado, offers a compelling answer. Recently featured on America ByDesign Architecture (AmBDA) and the America ByDESIGN™ Material Spotlight, the project demonstrates how meaningful community engagement can shape spaces that reflect local identity, values and aspirations.

More than a new public library, the 15,000-square-foot facility serves as a civic destination—bringing together learning, creativity, collaboration and connection in a space designed by and for the people who use it.

^{Gunnison County Library | Gunnison, Colorado, USA}

A Vision Shaped by Community Voices

The story of the Gunnison County Library began long before construction. Through an extensive community-driven design process, hundreds of residents participated in workshops, presentations, activities and planning sessions to help reimagine what their future library could be. The result was a shared vision that reflected the unique character of Gunnison and generated widespread support, ultimately helping secure approval through a successful ballot initiative.

For the design team at Anderson Hallas Architects, community feedback became a guiding force in shaping both the building's purpose and experience. Residents expressed a desire for a place that would foster lifelong learning, encourage social connection and celebrate the natural beauty that defines the Gunnison Valley.

Those priorities are evident throughout the finished project.

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Connected to Community and Landscape

Located adjacent to local schools and open space, the library acts as a bridge between town and landscape. Expansive views of the surrounding mountains, strong visual connections to nature and direct access from a popular community bike path help create a welcoming destination for residents of all ages.

Inside, flexible gathering spaces support everything from community meetings and events to quiet reading and study. Children's exploration areas encourage discovery and play, while a unique stargazing component celebrates Gunnison's renowned dark skies. Together, these features transform the library from a traditional repository of books into a vibrant community hub.

Materials That Support A Natural Connection

Materials throughout the space were selected to support both performance and user experience. Shaw Contract to EcoWorx® carpet tile contributes to acoustic comfort, creates warm and inviting environments for learning and collaboration, and supports the project's sustainability initiatives. Inspired by the surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape, the flooring palette reinforces a strong sense of place through organic patterns, natural textures and calming colorways.

The design team utilized the following Shaw Contract products:

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Building Belonging

The Gunnison County Library illustrates the power of design when communities are invited to participate in the process. By listening first and designing second, the project team created a library that reflects local values while supporting future generations.

As featured on America ByDesign Architecture and the America ByDESIGN™ Material Spotlight, the project stands as an inspiring example of how community-driven design can create spaces that don't just serve people—they belong to them.

Watch the America ByDesign Architecture feature to see how collaboration, sustainability and thoughtfully selected materials helped bring the Gunnison County Library vision to life.

The project received an Honorable Mention in the 2023 Colorado Design Awards program and recognized by AIA Colorado for its thoughtful organization, community focus, and connection to the surrounding landscape.

Project Credits

Project: Gunnison County Library
Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Architect: Anderson Hallas Architects
Building Size: Approximately 15,000 sq ft
Project Type: New Construction Public Library