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The objective of this renovation is to recognize the challenges libraries face and create an environment that will facilitate, support and adapt with these ever-changing needs. As education and research methodologies move away from the traditional typologies of the library, new service paradigms must emerge to capture the needs of the students and the university. The value of a library is no longer based on its books and collections, but instead on its capacity to bend and flex with evolving institutional priorities. By re-imagining the relationships of information, technology and humanity, libraries can evolve within the constant cultural, social and economic changes faced in higher education.

Location

Houston, Texas

Design Team

Joe Rivers, Melissa Cross, Rafia Imran, Esmer Leija, and Kevin Barden

Typology

Commercial

Date

2022

Process

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Memorial Townhome Renovation

Located near Memorial Park, this project is a complete renovation of a townhome. Providing a sense of calmness, an abundance of daylight, and a living canvas for plants and collection of objects is the foundation for the creative energy of this project. In working with the existing structure of the townhome, walls and columns have been removed to allow for an openness that reflects the identity of the client.

Marcus Martinez

Art and Design

Marcus Martinez is a Houston-based Illustrator whose work has reached beyond architecture into diverse areas such as design, medical technology, and urbanism. Joe and Kevin sat down with Marcus to discuss his early influences and experiences in architecture and design, his sketching process, and what excites him about his work as an illustrator.

Annual Holiday Cards

Competitions

Every winter Rivers Barden Architects takes time to draw, sketch, and/or model a Christmas Card image to send to family, friends, clients, and colleagues.  Seen here is a collection of these in one place.