The Woodrow Wilson Library in Falls Church, VA, designed by Bowie Gridley Architects (BGA), has been recognized with a 2016 Fairfax County Exceptional Design Award. The award recognizes achievement in the total design of a building and its site.

BGA designed the renovation and addition to the existing library to meet the needs of a vibrant 21st century community library. The program includes improved collections and seating areas, daylighting in all public areas, improved access to meeting room facilities, quiet and group study rooms, after-hours access to meeting room facilities, storage space, easily accessed mechanical areas and an integrated mechanical system for the entire library. The featured component of this project is the new light-filled spine that relocates the entrance to be closer to the parking lot and connects all the main functions of the building, while establishing a modern, welcoming feel along the street. The project received LEED-NC Gold certification.

The Fairfax County Exceptional Design Awards is sponsored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the County’s Department of Planning and Zoning in cooperation with the County Architectural Review Board and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the AIA. The award program promotes the awareness of superior planning and design projects.