"Make Like a Tree and Leaf"

It may be winter, but Mackey Mitchell architects is planting a tree in the middle of the newly renovated Natural Bridge Children’s Library – a technology tree, that is. Four computer stations will be placed around the freestanding structural tree which is complemented by Kvadrat (kwa-drat) sculptural fabric tiles to replicate leaves on branches and also serve an acoustical function. MMA designers Rachel Raterman and Jim Konrad helped install the whimsical tiles which were recently accepted into the Museum of Modern Art’s collection in New York. This is the first installation of the tiles in the St. Louis area.Other design features include a new large window, soft seating, and several “baseball-themed” elements to acknowledge the $50,000 grant from the St. Louis Cardinals community fund.  The project was designed in memory of Jean Weinstock, a Cardinal fan and former president of the St. Louis County Library’s board. According to the library’s assistant director Tim Wadham, “This fun and newly energized space will set the standard for future children’s libraries in our county branches.”