Mesa Gateway Library Construction Tour

Join AIA Phoenix Metro AIA10 and RICHÄRD | KENNEDY ARCHITECTS for a construction tour of the Mesa Gateway Library in Mesa, a design that reflects the City of Mesa's vision for their facilities and library system: “curiosity, learning, connection, inspiration, creativity, and dreaming starts here". This building was designed by RICHÄRD | KENNEDY ARCHITECTS and the general contractor is Willmeng.

Tour begins promptly 2:00PM. Attendees will receive 1.0 LU from AIA.

PPE is required for this tour. Please bring your own (limited supplies available on site) - closed toed shoes, long pants, vest, hardhats and glasses are required.

Fees: Please register in advance as space is limited. This event is free for AIA members (Architects, Associates and Allied). Non-members can attend for $15.

About the space:

Sitting on the edge of the Eastmark Great Park in Mesa, the 28,000-square-foot Gateway Library is knitted into the fabric of the park as a new amenity – organized around the concept of an open market; knowledge, social interaction, and exploration are brought together under a singular unifying roof.

Designed to the client’s vision of the library as a gateway, the concept of the open market was developed. Unified under a folded roof, the library offers a vibrant, flexible environment that remains connected to nature while offering state-of-the-art, future-forward programs and technology. The library features a variety of functions composed around the central market corridor. Makerspaces, community meeting rooms, a young adult lounge, and storytime program spaces activate the market by turning inward toward the central core. Quieter, more contemplative spaces are located along the perimeter with views out to the adjacent lake and park. Enclosed program rooms feature interior pockets of color and vibrancy intended to stimulate collaboration. As part of the city’s commitment to creating welcoming spaces, a sensory room is provided for the Certified Autism Center. The team used trauma-informed design to curate and select colors, materials, lighting, and furnishings that support neurodiversity and foster an inclusive, comfortable space with respect to sensitivity and stimulation.

Host or Publisher AIA Phoenix Metro