Case Studies

Client/Owner:

Kansas City Public Library
J.E. Dunn Construction

Design:

Dimensional Innovations
Jonathan Kemper
BNIM/360
MC Lioness Realty Group, LLC

Size:

The 22 downtown library book bindings measure approximately 25' by 9'.

Awards:

2007 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany-nominee
2006 Signs of the Times International Sign Contest, First Place in Unique Signs
2006 Signs of the Times International Sign Contest, Best in Show
2005 Society for Environmental Graphic Design, Design Award
2005 Industrial Designers Society of America IDEA Bronze award
2005 Economic Development Council of Kansas City, Redevelopment Award
2005 AIA Kansas City Allied Arts and Craftsmanship, Awards nomination
2005 Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Best Parking Structure Award

Abstract:

This project, located in the heart of Kansas City, represents one of the pioneer projects behind the revitalization of downtown. The well known books on the parking garage for the newly renovated Central Library have become one of the most recognizable and widely discussed additions to Kansas City's redeveloping core.

Favorably promoting the Central Library, creating a unique yet relevant exterior for the parking garage and representing Kansas Citians were the main purposes in this project. Through different mediums, the people of Kansas City were asked to help pick highly influential book titles that represent Kansas City. This method ensured the design, as well as the titles, would truly represent the wide range of Kansas Citians' cultural and literary interests.

Dimensional Innovations professionally photographed rare books and used software to modify and place the desired titles. To create a sense of comfort and safety, an aluminum substructure that includes clear windows was produced through the center of the books, allowing light into the parking garage. 3M scotch print™ with translucent printing was applied to the substructure to create the books.