Las Vegas Library and Lied Discovery Museum
Architect(s): Antoine Predock
Address: 833 Las Vegas Blvd.
Year: 1989

This library was the first in the Library District's efforts to create decentralized branches across the valley that also feature cultural facilities like performance centers or museums. Located across from Cashman Field and the Old Mormon Fort, the odd-looking structure sits on a hill with a commanding view of the valley. The design features a mass of geometric shapes that house different functions; Predock is known for his use of simple, bold forms which are devoid of ornamentation but which include desert-inspired color schemes. Sandstone and concrete were chosen to help deflect the harsh summer heat. This project won a Silver Award in 1991 from The Nevada Contractor.

Library information can be found at: http://www.lvccld.org/about/locations/lv.html

Museum information can be found at: http://www.ldcm.org/

Resources available in the ASL:
“Antoine Predock Architect: Las Vegas Library – Discovery Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada, design.” GA Document n.30 (Aug. 1991): 108-117. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 1

“Children’s hour: A new museum in Las Vegas.” Architectural Record 175, n.7 (Jul. 1987): 55. Includes axonometric drawing. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 2

Carter, Geoff. “Tourist For Breakfast: Designing Vegas, When Decorum Fail, At Least We Have Architecture.”, Las Vegas Weekly, 11-17 April 2002, [Online]. Available: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/2002/04_11/art_tfb.html Accessed September 5, 2003. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 5

Dickensheets, Scott. “Out of the Box.” Las Vegas Life 2, n.11 (Aug. 1999): 32-35. ASL File #: GEN 8

Isasi, Justo. “Predicar en el desierto: Un museo infantile de Predock en Las Vegas.” Architectura Viva n.24 (May-June 1992): 30-5. Includes floor plans and photos. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 7

“Las Vegas Library and Children’s Museum.” Architecture + Urbanism 218, n.11 (Nov. 1988): 126. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP6

“Las Vegas Library and Discovery Museum, Las Vegas, Nev.” Progressive Architecture 68, n.7 (Jul. 1987): 35-7. Includes axonometric, floor plans, & section. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 3.

“Las Vegas Library and Lied Discovery Children’s Museum.” Design Quarterly n.168 (Spring 1996): 6-19. Includes project statement and photos. ASL File #: GEN 16

“LV library nabs Silver for design.” Las Vegas Review Journal 3 March 1991: 4M. ASL File #: AWARD 1

McQuerrey, Lisa. “Groundbreaking Structures.” In Business Las Vegas, 28 March 2003, 10A. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 10

Mitchell, Shane. “Desert Manna.” Interiors 110, n.1 (Jan. 1991): 110-111. Includes photos. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 4

Mulard, Claudine. “Las Vegas musee des enfantes.” L’ Arca 246 (Dec. 1991/Jan. 1992): 130-3. Includes photos. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 8.

Nicoletta, Julie. Buildings of Nevada. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. Includes project description and photo. Arch Ref NA 730.N3 N53 2000

Predock, Antoine. Antoine Predock, Architect 2. New York: Rizzoli, 1998. Arch NA 737.P67 L3 A4

“Special Feature: Antoine Predock.” Architecture + Urbanism 218, n.11 (Nov. 1988): 75-130. Includes photo of model. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 6

Stein, Karen. “Down the Strip.” Architectural Record 178, n.11 (Oct. 1990): 68-75. Includes floor
plans and photos. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 5

“The top 5 coolest buildings in Las Vegas.” Nevada Contractor 5, n.6 (Jun. 2000): 18-22. Includes photos. ASL File #: GEN 2

Twardy, Chuck. “10 Ugly Buildings.” Las Vegas Weekly, 21-27 October 2003, 18-19. ASL File #: LVA VS 3.

Twardy, Chuck. “Junk Bonds: Why, 10 years after the Hunsberger Controversy, Are We Still Unwilling to Invest in Well-designed Libraries?” Architecture Las Vegas, 2003, 80. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 9

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: Clark County Library District fact sheet about Las
Vegas Library. ASL File #: RAF(F) AP 4

UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: 1 color slide of exterior of building. ASL File #: GEN
24c

Information and image(s) for additional bulidings are also available on ASL's self guided architectural driving tours:
http://www.library.unlv.edu/arch/lasvegas/downtown01a.html#006

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