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The Satelite Digital Library is a collaborative project between San Salvador and Washington, DC. The entirely pro bono construction and design of this library aims to serve the underprivileged community of San Salvador. The library will act as a space to honor the Sister City agreement between San Salvador and DC. The idea for the library came after visiting and analyzing the site’s terrain and existing flora to integrate the building into the landscape. The building was cantilevered to avoid disturbing the existing tree’s roots as much as possible. The white stucco exterior uses a material and color common to the area. The slope of the site led to a natural amphitheater facing the building with a community plaza between the building and amphitheater.
We carefully chose the placement of the structure within the park to minimize the noise emanating from this highly trafficked urban area, putting windows only on one side of the library facing the park. A wall further dampens road noise. We developed the shape of the structure to be compatible with and integrated into the natural environment, ensuring a coexistence with the surrounding trees and producing a cantilevered structure with minimum disturbance to the ground. The design takes advantage of natural light while using overhangs and canopies to provide shade.
The building was designed to reduce energy use. Thick stucco walls provide mass to help insulate the building interior from the heat of the sun. The building’s white color also helps to keep the building cooler, as do the shade-providing trees, overhangs, and canopies. We studied the wind patterns so that we could use natural ventilation for the building. The ample natural light in the building reduces the need for electric lighting. Additionally, we utilized all local materials, meaning less energy was needed to move them to the site. We also employed all local craftsmen.
If there is one word we would use to describe this project, it is community. Those who built the library are its consumers, fully connecting the building to its community. The building provides access to computers, wi-fi, books, and classes, allowing library users to better connect with the world and grow their knowledge base, creating more opportunities for the people of the community. The library, plaza, and amphitheater provide space for both formal classes and events and informal gatherings. This facility is a place that brings people together. There are plans to create similar libraries in other parts of Latin America, starting in Colombia, allowing a number of communities to be connected and share knowledge with each other. Looking beyond the societal benefits of the project, its strengths are its structure that is well integrated with nature and its use of local materials. It is truly a building of the place. The design is clean. It weaves between the trees and floats above the ground.
"This library is an example of what we can achieve if we put people first and put aside the political differences we have." "We have done great things in this period, but this is the work of which we are most proud, and it has been done by joining forces.” Quotes by San Salvador Mayor Ernesto Muyshondt, translated from “Digital library inaugurated in Satélite park,” by Denni Portillo in La Prensa Grafica, Jan. 27, 2021
We are a firm that designs without boundaries.
Architect, client, contractors and consultants are teammates in the design process. Communication is open and continuous. The studio is strengthened by dynamic and collaborative relationships. Everyone contributes to the success of each project.
The relationship between a building, its surroundings and the community informs and molds a space to create a building that “belongs” and is responsive. Our designs foster a dialogue between immediate context and the broader setting. Our buildings use sustainable materials and environmentally-conscious systems.
Since its 1995 founding, Shinberg.Levinas has earned recognition from many sources, including over 30 AIA awards. The firm’s work has been published in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Architectural Record, Interior Design, Home & Design, Le Figaro and internationally distributed books and online magazines.
We aim high. We work hard and are devoted to principle and pragmatism.
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