A new lakeside library has flung open its doors in Orange County, Florida, and the David Adjaye-designed building frames views of its palm tree-studded site.

Located inside the city’s Martin Luther King Jr Park, the two-storey library includes an events space and rooftop terrace – all rendered in the pink-tinted concrete Adjaye chose for the project. The architect describes Winter Park as ‘a multi-purpose knowledge campus in the public realm’.

The library is spread across three pavilions, shaped like huge arches. Vast expanses of glass flood the building with natural light and connect the library with the gardens that surround it. Adjaye has added pockets of greenery that contrast the concrete exterior, including a stand of palms whose feathery foliage just brushes the library’s roof.

As well as offering an extensive book collection, the library will host events, performances and films, and is also home to flexible working and makerspaces. As well as picking up a long-awaited novel, guests can borrow fishing poles, binoculars and other instruments.

1052 W Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States

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