Winthrop Children's Area

The Winthrop Library in North Central Washington was designed to celebrate the region’s agrarian roots. For security and convenience, most modern libraries incorporate children’s restrooms in the children’s area and JA’s architects sought to see this as an opportunity to create a unique installation that directly references the flora and fauna of the Methow Valley and offers areas for focus and learning. The restroom is wrapped in plywood and incorporates built-in reading nooks. The pattern, was sketched by Mona Johnston Zellers, and then converted into digital files that were cut into plywood panels using a computer-controlled router. The plywood was then set against acoustic felt creating a canopy that shelters the young readers and acts as a focal point for the library as a whole.