Watha T Daniel Shaw Library
Delon Hampton & Associates (DHA) provided structural and civil engineering design services, including structural analysis and design, as well as related construction administration services for this 20,000 gross SF public library in the District of Columbia. The three-level building features a collection of 40,000 books, digital media, and other library materials. Additional space was designed to allow the collection to expand to up to 80,000 items. Other features include reading rooms, a children's library, computer stations, conference rooms, and a 100-person, multi-purpose community room.
DHA’s civil design involved site utility and grading design, site drainage design, and LEED design elements such as a green roof and other sustainability features. Our civil engineers coordinated with the project architects to optimally position the building on this site to work within the constraints of the existing landform. During the Schematic Design Phase of the project, we performed framing studies to compare applicable framing solutions and explored project limitations and constraints taking under consideration the preliminary conceptual design. During the Design Development and Construction Document Phases of the project, we prepared preliminary floor framing plans, structural sections and details, and revised and modified specifications. Our structural design included extensive seismic engineering and detailed coordination with intricate architecture. DHA also provided construction administration services such as structural shop drawing and submittal reviews, responses to RFIs, and site visits during construction of the structural frame and sitework.
Designed to meet LEED Silver certification, the facility incorporates a vegetative green roof, displacement air system, solar control and daylight management and extensive use of recyclable and renewable materials. The building utilizes a corrugated, perforated aluminum screen wall system across its southern facade. With a 40% open area, the screen wall sits three feet in front of an expansive glazed curtain wall and provides sufficient shading of the upper level reading room while allowing natural daylight to enter the space. The shading system allows a reduced dependence on artificial lighting and its related energy costs as well as protects the library's collection from harmful solar exposure.