Here a new public library and cultural arts center were artfully sited to create memorable outdoor spaces. Working in collaboration with Group 4 architects, SWA transformed an earlier parking-fronted concept into a plan that resulted in landmark building and outdoor space composition along one of Yorba Linda’s main streets. The outdoor space – the Paseo – serves as a civic gathering space and includes subspaces for studying, socializing and enjoying performances.

Conceived spatially through the siting of buildings, the Paseo is detailed to complement the distinctive character of the place. Here loose furniture and convenience power for day-to-day studying, gathering and socializing function as outdoor rooms for the public. With the furniture stored, the Paseo can accommodate community events such as farmers markets, book fairs and art festivals. For larger events, an adjacent parking bay has retractable bollards which allow the Paseo to be extended.

A cleft granite misting table, surrounded by cast concrete stones, serves as a meeting point and landmark between the Paseo’s Library and Arts Center sub-plazas. The mist provides welcome cooling in Yorba Linda’s summers, while programmable lighting creates interest for evening events.

Materials and details of the outdoor spaces complement the buildings, extending experiential harmony for those visiting. Garden stairs along the street frontage leading to the Paseo have risers of warm-toned metaquartzite sandstone, quarried within 250 miles of the project, and treads of integrally colored concrete with sawcut joints and strip lights. The stone risers interlace with the adjacent flowering shrub planting, carving out places to sit.