Modern, yet warm, the architecture reflects the unique attributes of Gullah-Geechee Sea Island culture and the vibrancy of the library as a 21st Century gathering place. Prior to design, community workshops were held to gain insight into the context of the Gullah Geechee culture. The building was designed to utilize very simple forms and construction methods to provide the iconic features that symbolize the shared values of the library and the St. Helena community. The Gullah Geechee context is revealed in several aspects of the architecture, including a woven nautilus in the special collections area located at the heart of the library -  suggesting the forms of marine life and traditional net making; raised wood “stomping” floor in the community meeting room that simulates the percussion for sea island spirituals; and the “tree” columns reflective of historic images of learning at Penn Center under the massive live oak trees. This project was funded through CDBG & USDARD grants and loans.

For inquiries related to this project, please contact jennifer@liollio.com

2016 AIA South Atlantic Region Merit Award
2016 Tech Insider: Most Beautiful Library in SC
2015 Library Journal Landmark Library Award
2015 AIA South Carolina Interior Design Honor Award
2014 IIDA Government/Institutional Award
2014 IIDA Best of Show Award
2014 World-Architects Magazine Building of the Week
2013 AIA South Carolina Honor Award
2013 AIA South Carolina COTE Honor Award
2013 AIA Charleston Honor Award
2013 AIA Charleston Students’ Choice Award