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Daniela went to hear New York based architect Steven Holl speak in Providence the other day and sent me a link to his Queens Library in Long Island City, here in NYC, due to be completed in 2013. What a lovely addition to the currently not-very-interesting Queens waterfront. Plus, designed so that a “Manhattan view” stair rises up from the open arrival space, visitors are greeted both with a view of books and the Manhattan skyline over the East River. Not bad.

The 21,000 sq. foot library will be broken up into three separate areas: children, teen, and adult. The plan integrates energy-efficient design and a great amount of public space, including a public reading garden with a bosque of ginko trees, and a rooftop reading garden with amazing panoramic views.

The concrete structure is painted white inside while the exterior insulation and foamed 100% recycled aluminum rainskin give it a bit of sparkle. At night, the building will have a glowing presence on the Queens waterfront, joining the iconic Pepsi sign.