About

LIBRARY, A SOCIAL CONDENSER follows the planning, design and construction of the Hunter’s Point Community Library (HPCL) in New York City. The library, opening in the summer of 2018, is the outcome of a 20 year long uncompromising fight to realize a public building in the face of frenzied competition among private developers to influence the use of this contested site.

Through the collective commentary of individuals involved in or influenced by the project, this hybrid film and book project provides insight into an individual and collective fight for the common good; at the same time demonstrating for multiple audiences what can be accomplished when excellence in design and the commitment and persistence of government officials and community leaders combine to protect and enhance public space.

Noted architecture publisher Lars Muller and Spirit of Space, an architecture-focused documentary crew, are working cooperatively to develop a 300-page book and 60-minute documentary film that chronicle the planning, design and construction of the library. Released at the same time, both tools will be distributed through their respective channelsspecialized publications in the arts, architecture and urbanism, outlets for independent film, festivals and streaming platforms.