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This renovation reimagines the library as a dynamic hub for learning, connection, and adaptability. As education and research shift away from traditional models, new service paradigms are emerging to meet the evolving needs of students and universities. The library’s value is no longer measured solely by its books and collections, but by its ability to bend and flex with changing institutional priorities. By reshaping the relationship between information, technology, and people, the design positions the library to thrive amid the cultural, social, and economic changes shaping higher education.

Location

Houston, Texas

Design Team

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

Typology

Commercial

Date

2022

Process

Explore

Port Bolivar Beach House

Situated above the shoreline in a Gulf Coast community, this elevated beach house offers a restful retreat shaped by light, breeze, and expansive views. Drawing from the local tradition of stilt-frame wood construction, the design lifts the main living level to capture sun, breeze, and shade throughout the day while providing shelter below.

Mike Garman

Art and Design

In this episode, our resident architects Joe Rivers and Kevin Barden visit with Mike Garman, a furniture designer and maker from Houston, Texas. Mike has been designing and building furniture in the Houston area for nearly a decade. Joe and Kevin sat down with Mike to discuss his path to designing furniture, his use of tools, and his unique process to design.

Annual Holiday Cards

Competitions

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