The South Broadway Cultural Center and Library is a community anchor and gathering place featuring a 12,000 s.f. library, and a variety of performance, gallery, and meeting venues. The contemporary structure utilizes historic and culturally significant color and material motifs combined with highly cost-effective wall systems. The structure features extensive daylighting, particularly in the gallery and library areas. The design solution was developed in collaboration with representatives from three neighborhoods, the Albuquerque Public Schools, and city staff. An artist-designed marquee, and a moveable/changeable exterior mural panel highlight the building.

LOCATION: Albuquerque, New Mexico
CLIENT: City of Albuquerque
DATE OF COMPLETION: Feb. 1994
SIZE: 23,500 s.f.
FEATURES: Library, art gallery, 315-seat theatre, dance studio, multipurpose/meeting facilities, food service, and an outdoor amphitheatre.

“Studio SW applied considerable architectural creativity to develop buildings reflective of the communities in which they were built. Materials were used in creative ways to extend building size and scope while working with limited funding.”
Wayne Bower, Asst. Director, Albuquerque Library System.