Benjamin Jacobs
Architect, Designer, Musician
Contact
Nestled Performances
9.2024 – 5.2025
“puppet” for VMAG SS’25Editorial Design
1.2025 – 4.2025
The Red Hook WayStudio; Urban Design
9.2024 – 12.2024
“SKATE” for VMAG FW’24
Editorial Design
9.2024 – 11.2024
“STAINED” for VMAG FW’24Editorial Design
9.2024 – 11.2024
Library of Communication Studio; Re-Use
1.2024 – 5.2024
Walk, Art & Apartments Studio; Multi-family
1.2023 – 5.2023
Poster StudiesPersonal; Graphic Design
1.2022 – 10.2022
c. 8.2025
A renovation and addition to the Gordon Avenue Library in Charlottesville, VA, creating intermediary spaces to expand the library’s programs into the arts.
The main aspect of the project is the addition, which comprises a large sweeping overhang that brings visitors back to nature.
The form of the building can be interpreted as both an edge and a sweeping cascade of roofs.
In contemporary times, libraries are learning to balance their importance as both research and social spaces, yet the existing formal language usually defies the latter. The project redevelops the interior spaces to be used more efficiently and takes advantage of the full footprint to focus more on the surrounding community. The ground floor holds a program based on reflection and congregation, while the bottom floor holds spaces for research and creation. Moving from West to East, the spaces increase in noise level, allowing those to read silently in the library, and perform out in the addition.
The overhangs were designed for seasonal use and allow light to permeate the southern portion during the colder months.
Summer Lighting
Winter Lighting
Summer lighting short-section
The crown of the addition is home to a multi-use performance space, intended for presentations, parties, and other community events.Designed through interviewing, iterative modeling, and programming to create a space intertwined with its context.
Studio led by Prof. Cameron Fullmer