While not necessarily part of a building proper, the landscaping of a library has a big impact on the user’s experience. It can also have a big impact on the greenness of a construction project by reducing pollution and promoting biodiversity.

The site of the new Appaloosa branch of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Public Library is planted with native vegatation. Many of the saguaro cacti and palo verde trees were salvaged from the site’s prior use as an overflow parking lot and transplanted.

Architects: DWL Architects + Planners, Inc./Douglas Sydnor Architect and Associates

Photo: Bill Timmerman