Group 4 Architecture Research + Planning, Inc.

From walled off to wide open — Group 4 + Champlin Architecture designed the Cincinnati Main Library to be radically reimagined as a civic space for everyone. What was once an inward-focused structure is now linked to the city through the refreshed civic plaza — a bold new front yard for public life. With vibrant, flexible spaces hosting everything from art festivals to health clinics, this plaza is a lively and welcoming starting point to visitors’ journeys into the library. At the heart of the 540,000 SF building is the new social stoop + atrium — anchored by a musical stair and performance space connecting all five stories of the library. Its art-glass guardrails feature a rainbow discography of 1,602 musical recordings from local artists, each one a note in the city’s cultural symphony. This re-imagination reflects that the future of the library spaces is not just about information + access to resources — it’s about invitation and belonging. ?? credit: Wesley Battoclette #LibraryDesign #MainLibrary #CincinnatiMainLibrary

Group 4 is heading to the?California Park & Recreation Society Connections Conference & Expo later this week in Sacramento! We are looking forward to diving into the future of parks + recreation design and how we shape communities through inclusive, innovative spaces. If you are attending, keep an eye out for Group 4 and let's connect! Pictured: San Bruno Recreation & Aquatic Center ?? credit: Cesar Rubio

Chabot College’s new Library & Learning Connection isn’t just a building—it’s a bridge, reconnecting students to campus and to each other. As President Dr. Jamal Cooks shares, this space was designed with students at the center, creating an environment that is open and welcoming. Since re-opening, the library has invigorated the campus experience and immediately has made a positive impact on the learning journey for each student. With glass walls, flexible learning spaces, and intentional gathering areas, the Library & Learning Connection breaks down barriers—both physical and social. It fosters collaboration, engagement, and academic success by making resources more visible and accessible. By making learning more interactive and social, this space is redefining how students engage with their education and each other. Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gebkS_cn ?#HigherEd?#Gorup4Architecture?#newconstruction Co-Design Architects:?HMC Architects Video:?Lawrence Anderson Studio General Contractor:?Rudolph and Sletten Programming:?Buro Happold Landscape:?SWA Civil:?BKF Engineers M/P:?Capital Engineering Fire/LS:?Jensen Hughes Electrical: O’Mahony & Myer Structural:?Walter P Moore

Yesterday before the rain hit, Group 4 visited the College of Marin Learning Resource Center, currently under construction and set to open in early 2026! Associate Harding Dowell, AIA led the tour with folks from the Group 4 and the SWA team, offering a glimpse into how the new facility is taking shape as a vibrant hub for student life and academic support. Designed to bring together a wide range of student services, the LRC will serve as a central gathering place, fostering collaboration and engagement at the heart of campus. The building’s striking ridgeline roof and expansive glazing frame panoramic views of Mt. Tam, while its placement on the site strengthens connections between the campus, College Avenue, and the Kentfield community. A new social plaza, terraces, and inviting indoor-outdoor spaces will create opportunities for students to connect, study, and engage in campus life. Seeing the project come to life reinforced our excitement for the impact this space will have on students and the community for generations to come. We can’t wait to see the final result! Read more about the project, here: https://lnkd.in/giUSiPV7 #CollegeOfMarin #LearningResourceCenter #HigherEdDesign #Construction #Group4Architecture

Libraries and performance spaces share a common thread: they bring communities together. At Group 4, we continuously explore how these environments can enhance each other. Lunch on Monday included a design charette to spark fresh ideas on integrating culture, learning, and creativity into a seamless experience—where books, music, and movement coexist. Group 4's best ideas emerge when we collaborate, challenge each other, and leverage all our team's experience in crafting the libraries and cultural spaces of tomorrow. #FutureOfLibraries #DesignInnovation #PerformanceSpaces

Group 4 Architecture Research + Planning, Inc. has been collaborating with Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) and Luci Creative to design interactive and inspiring children's spaces at every SCCLD branch. Excited to see the first of these opening very soon! Be sure to check out the Library's project website and cute video at https://lnkd.in/g3_x9x62

Group 4 Principal Andrea Gifford shares the vision behind Chabot College’s new Library & Learning Connection—a student-centered hub designed to foster collaboration, learning, and support. Thoughtfully crafted to reflect the needs of Chabot’s diverse student body, the LLC blends flexibility, transparency, and inclusivity into every space. ? The first floor welcomes all with open study areas, a café, and family-friendly spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere for both independent and group work. Floating above the atrium, dedicated learning community spaces provide vital resources + spaces for student support. The second floor expands on these collaborative zones with study rooms and integrated faculty offices, reinforcing mentorship and academic success. The third floor offers a grand reading room, group study rooms, and an outdoor terrace—providing serene, light-filled spaces for deep focus and reflection. ? Designed as the beating heart of campus, the LLC empowers students at every step. #Group4Architecture?#Library?#Learning?#architecture Co-Design Architects:?HMC Architects Video:?Lawrence Anderson Studio General Contractor:?Rudolph and Sletten Programming:?Buro Happold Landscape:?SWA Civil:?BKF Engineers M/P:?Capital Engineering Fire/LS:?Jensen Hughes Electrical: O’Mahony & Myer Structural:?Walter P Moore

Celebrating 10 years of Rinconada Library! ?? Principal Jonathan Hartman led a session showcasing the remodel of this historic building, highlighting its lasting impact. Group 4 is proud to have helped create this beloved community hub and vibrant connection the the City's history. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gbChmkiB

The Chabot College Library and Learning Connection (LLC) redefines student success by blending academic resources, study spaces, and wellness areas into a single, student-centered hub. Designed for Chabot’s diverse student body, the LLC supports first-generation students, lifelong learners, and those balancing work and school. A four-story atrium creates visual connections across library, study, social, and support spaces—reducing stigma around seeking help and fostering a welcoming, inclusive learning environment. Students can gather in active social spaces, quiet study areas, or outdoor amphitheaters connecting the rest of the campus connecting the facility to the rest of campus as a new central landmark. Sustainability is at the forefront: natural daylight floods the interiors, while a louvered shading system and thoughtfully placed windows reduce heat gain and glare. The all-electric building minimizes environmental impact, and native landscaping enhances biodiversity. From the grand social stair to specialized Learning Community spaces, the LLC is more than a library—it’s a beacon of equity, collaboration, and opportunity for Chabot’s students and the broader East Bay community. PROJECT TEAM: Co-Design Architects: HMC Architects Photography: Lawrence Anderson Studio + HMC Architects General Contractor: Rudolph and Sletten Programming: Buro Happold Landscape: SWA Civil: BKF Engineers M/P:Capital Engineering Fire/LS: Jensen Hughes Electrical: O'Mahony & Myer - Electrical Engineering & Lighting Design Structural: Walter P Moore

TONIGHT: Group 4 Principal Jill Eyres will be presenting our recent re-imagination of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library Main Library to our friends and colleagues from AIA San Mateo County! We are excited to share more of the story from planning to ribbon cutting on this generational transformation of one of the largest main libraires in America. Tickets: https://lnkd.in/gYYWJh4T Learn more about the project: https://lnkd.in/gmkKJ_4Z