Madison Branch Library
Madison, Tennessee

Project Facts

Location: Madison, Tennessee
Size: 20,000 SF
Market: Community
Completed:  2019
Services: Architecture
Scope: Renovation

The renovation of Nashville Public Library’s Madison Branch resulted in a bright and open community gathering place. The 20,000 SF reimagined facility features the Library’s views, resulting in a warm and welcoming space for the public. The redesign includes modern-era amenities such as a teen area, story room, reading and study spaces, a central lobby, multipurpose café and refreshment area, and staff areas.

This project required complete interior transformation to become a bright and active library appropriate for the community of Madison. A full wall of windows, which was previously blocked by a thick stone wall, is now exposed, filling the space with ambient daylight which complements library functions.

GTG held community workshops to engage the community in the design process. The design team noted early in these meetings that the hand-crafted interior door was cherished by the community members and should be kept in the renovation. This door inspired the design team to incorporate features found within the beloved book, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” by C. S. Lewis. A large wooden wardrobe, now visible throughout the library, was carefully refurbished and relocated so children and adults alike could be transported to an imaginary world of travel and magnificence. The service desk became the “beacon of light,” symbolizing a wayfinding spot. Additionally, colors from book cover editions throughout history were studied and then used to inform finish color choices.