Project

Inspiring a New Generation to Soar

A unifying daylit space reflects an inspirational educator’s journey

All
In Progress
Adaptive Reuse
Civic
Cultural
Development
Higher Ed
K-12

Christa McAuliffe Branch Library

City of Framingham
Framingham, Massachusetts

The library celebrates teacher Christa McAuliffe, the educator-astronaut whose life was tragically cut short in the Challenger space shuttle disaster. Inspired by her spirit, Finegold Alexander’s design creates a soaring roof in the shape of a wing, lifting over the main reading areas. Spaces for community gathering, quiet reading and learning more than tripled the scale of the original branch library. Daylit spaces infused with technology enhance and reflect the library’s mission of engagement with patrons in their quest for knowledge and learning.

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(Photo credit: header exterior - Raj Das Photography; second and third exterior and interior photos - Gustav Hoiland)

Size
17,000 SF
Scope
New Construction
Program
Children, Teen and Adult Reading Areas, Technology Integration, Community Meeting Space, Outdoor Seating Area
Sustainability
LEED Silver
Awards
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Exterior frontal view of the library's overhang at dusk.
Horizontal view of the library from across the street with overhang protruding glass and light-filled structure
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“This library embodies Christa’s essence, her beliefs and it reflects the way in which she lived her life.”
Lisa Bristol, sister of Christa McAuliffe

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Low library stacks with open space and orb lights hanging from a high ceiling. Light blue walls and white ceiling accentuate natural daylight.
Computers with curvy glass separation, modern blue seating area with bookshelves behind.
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Working with the community, Finegold Alexander sought to create an uplifting and soaring library to capture McAuliffe’s spirit, teaching legacy, and the town’s shared values while working within a tight budget.

Girl at circular computer table, other children walking around bookshelves and sitting at tables with views onto lush green trees.
Adults sitting on couches in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows under the overhang.
Long and curvy computer table with zig-zag separator, framed by blue walls, bookshelves, and hanging rectangular lights.
Exterior of the library at dusk, angled around a small courtyard and trees.
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“It took a lot of people working very hard, working towards a common objective... I think anybody that believes in education, that believes in lifelong learning, that believes in involving kids, they … would have to love it.”
Sam Klaidman, Library Trustee

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In Progress
Adaptive Reuse
Civic
Cultural
Higher Ed
K-12
Development