MJW
Architecture

Architectural Design Studio IV: Building Energy Simulation / 2025

Shenandoah Library

Community Continuum · Miami, Florida

A renovation and addition proposal that retains the existing library while expanding its role as a community space. An upper floor, terraces, and a domed atrium bring new gathering and learning spaces into the building.

AI rendering of the proposed Shenandoah Library addition with a domed atrium, terraces, and rooftop solar panels.
Proposed library renovation and addition. AI rendering.

Connecting space and environmental design

The proposal develops natural ventilation, shading, rooftop solar, and flood-mitigation strategies alongside the architectural design. Site and climate studies inform the program, while plans, sections, and early sketches describe how the addition meets the existing building.

Cutaway model showing shading, natural ventilation, operable windows, environmental integration, and a cooling-center strategy.
Environmental section connecting passive strategies with the library addition.
Illustrated Shenandoah Park context diagram locating the library among transit, schools, homes, and neighborhood amenities.
The library within Shenandoah Park and its neighborhood.
Color-coded first- and second-floor program with gathering and learning spaces, quiet space, terraces, and a sun atrium.
Program distribution across the first and second floors.
Second-floor plan on the left and first-floor plan on the right, showing the library addition and interior program.
Second floor, left; first floor, right.
Southeast and south elevations showing the library facade, upper arcade, and dome.
Southeast elevation, left; south elevation, right.
Project climate graphic for Miami Zone 1A showing monthly rain and temperature, humidity, and an air-quality scale.
Climate analysis informing environmental design decisions.
Hand sketch exploring an upper-level arcade, courtyard, and domed roof.
Early exploration of terraces, arches, and the central dome.

Design team: Nathaniel Powers, Maxwell J. Wiesenfeld, Marissa Whalley, and Kayla Kiely.

← All architecture projectsNext projectThe Achilles