Each year ChesapeakeHome and ASID Maryland recognize the best interior design projects and concepts in the state through an annual design competition. The annual awards ceremony was held at Pier 5 Hotel, Inner Harbor on September 17th, 2009. Andrea DePalatis of Spectrum Design accepted the award.
The Westernport Library Renovation project began with planning and applications for funding in 2007. No significant improvements had been made to this facility since 1969. The renovation enhanced the library’s ability to deliver services by making badly needed safety, lighting, and electrical upgrades as well as reconfiguring the floor plan, upgrading the furnishings, and modernizing the interior spaces. The primary goal of the renovation was to create a 21st Century library that delivers value added services such as rich collections, access to the internet, educational software on library computers, and quality public programming to the Westernport community.
After seeing DePalatis’s concepts, the area’s arts community quickly embraced this project. Terry Bachman of Tangram Woodworks constructed the forest trees from detailed drawings using cooper techniques. The forest canopy was hand cut by the designer. A quilter’s guild designed textile artwork depicting images from literature. Other local craftsman executed glass tile mosaics and custom upholstery conforming to flowing organic forms.
Kurt Bonello, local sculptor created “Infinite Migration,” a mobile that floats over the youth seating area depicting abstract interpretations of woodland creatures. Just within reach, the slightest touch sets it into motion. Bonello might have said it best when he voiced his hope “that his work would inspire the youth to know that anything they can imagine is possible.”
DePalatis added “Libraries connect us to the outside world, but can also be a place of refuge that nurtures the soul, delight the senses and fires the imagination. It is an honor, a challenge and a joy to create a design that combines technology, fantasy and service to the community.”
Library Director John Taube says “ we are so fortunate to live in an area with such artistic talent and the willingness to give back to our public spaces like our libraries.”
Westernport Branch Librarian Nancy Sudine reports “We’ve always strived to make this building kid friendly, but the children’s room is the icing on the cake. It actually draws the kids in and the books are more accessible to younger children. We’ve had parents sitting over by the trees reading to their kids; we’ve had older kids sitting by the trees reading to younger kids. More people are sitting in the reading areas than ever before: taking advantage of the wireless or just reading.”
