Indianapolis Public Library Michigan Road Branch

Mader Design served as the lead for site design on KrM Architecture’s design team. From master planning through construction documents and construction administration, we designed the entry plaza, perimeter trails, parking lot, and landscape throughout the new property. As a new library on the northwest side, the public image and design aesthetics were important considerations throughout the project for both the new building and the site. The site design reflects and connects the public and library visitors with the building design, creating a unique and comprehensive design for the campus. With many significant trees on the campus, we worked diligently to preserve as many healthy mature trees as possible, while supplementing with new landscape materials and the next generation of tree canopy for the site. An important consideration for the Owner was the pursuit of LEED Silver certification, which carried into many site design considerations, including native plantings, minimizing heat islands through pavement reflectivity and shading, maintaining and re-establishing habitat areas, and connecting to multi-modal transportation sources. Outdoor program space for children and adults, along with community connectivity were critical aspects to the site design, engaging and welcoming the community to the new Michigan Road Library Branch.