Queens Public Library - Briarwood Branch

LOCATION: Briarwood, NY 
AREA: 7,800 SF 
Status: Construction 2026

We designed this important civic anchor as part of New York City’s project excellence program: VCA is one of just five small firms selected to design important public work in NYC. For this project, which includes a completely new façade system and gut renovation of the interior, we are coordinating a complex team of consultants to create a space that will work better for adults, teens, and children. The library will be LEED Gold certified and features photovoltaic panels at the roof to generate electricity. It was unanimously approved by DDC community board. The project won a 2025 Public Design Commission Design Excellence award. 

CLIENT: Queens Public Library
ARCHITECT: VERONA CARPENTER ARCHITECT 
ARCHITECT TEAM: JENNIFER CARPENTER, IRINA VERONA, EMILY CASS, LEILA MANTILLA, HANSON LIU, CHARUL PUNIA 
LANDSCAPE: RADER CREWS 
MEP/AV/IT/SECURITY: COLLADO ENGINEERING 
LIGHTING: LUMEN 
SUSTAINABILITY: ABOVE GREEN 
ENVELOPE: WSP 
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: GEDEON 
CIVIL ENGINEERING: KHEOPS 
ACOUSTICS: LONGMAN LINDSEY 
WAYFINDING: OMNIVORE 
SUSTAINABILITY: ABOVE GREEN