Burlingame Public Library

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Burlingame Public Library

Location: Burlingame, CA
Architects: Group 4 Architecture Research + Planning
Photography: Steve Whittaker

This classic community library building was originally designed by prominent peninsula architect Colonel Norberg and constructed in the early 1930's. The popular community landmark was completely gutted and totally reconstructed, with 15,000 square feet of additional space, including a new expanded full floorplate basement and a new second floor. O'Mahony & Myer was retained to provide electrical engineering and lighting design services for the complete reconstruction and expansion.

The lighting for this project was deemed to be critical to the overall success of the Architect's "historic" scheme, and was carefully designed by the staff of our lighting design studio, Peters & Myer, to both augment the period architectural design as well as provide the high levels and quality of light so necessary in a modern Library facility. Included in this effort was the development of a "family" of custom period chandeliers and wall sconces that use energy efficient lamps and ballasts. Our staff designed "period" pendant luminaires that are separated into lower (and low wattage) lamps within the hanging globe, and an array of upper lamps that bathe the ceiling in light. The results are soft glowing alabaster-like globes that are easy on the eyes, while providing abundant indirect illumination throughout the library.

All other specialized power, data and communications systems, including provisions for future evolution and expansion, were carefully incorporated into the finished project. The library also features a flexible electronic infrastructure as well as energy-conserving electrical systems.

"The Jewel of Burlingame"
cover story in American Libraries, April 1998

Honor Award
AIA San Mateo County Chapater