Studio 3 | Belmont University

This project reimagines the Cleveland Park Library as a space that honors the rich cultural history of its neighborhood while fostering community engagement and contemporary learning. Inspired by sculptor William Edmondson—Tennessee’s first African American artist to receive national recognition—the design pays homage to storytelling, heritage, and craftsmanship through material choices and spatial symbolism.

A central design metaphor is drawn from the rings of a tulip tree, representing the layered history and evolving narrative of the community. This concept is reflected in the use of natural and historically resonant materials such as hammered copper, tulip tree wood, limestone, and reclaimed brick. Each material was carefully selected for its tactile quality, cultural significance, and ability to foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The library spans multiple floors and includes a range of spaces: a community reception area, event gallery, recording studio, café, study areas, and custom reading domes. Acoustic LED panels and custom copper chandeliers enhance both performance and ambiance, while flexible furniture layouts support diverse user needs.

By blending history with innovation, the project transforms the library into more than a place of learning—it becomes a living archive and active contributor to the neighborhood’s ongoing story.