Southwest Library

A Historic Vision, Reimagined in Metal

Moz Designs is proud to have collaborated with Perkins & Will and Turner Construction on the transformative new Southwest Library in Washington, D.C.—a community-centered space that merges mid-century architectural elegance with forward-thinking sustainability and design.

At the heart of this LEED Platinum-certified library lies a striking visual feature: a custom 1424 sq ft perforated metal installation by Moz Designs that spans two stories along the central staircase. This monumental surface isn’t just a decorative element—it’s a storytelling medium.

Bringing History Into the Present

Our design draws directly from a rare historical artifact: an 1885 aerial photograph showing dredging operations along the river, a moment that led to the creation of the surrounding parkland—eventually named after Maj. Gen. Peter C. Hains. This archival image was digitally reimagined by our team and transformed into a large-scale perforated artwork, capturing the spirit of the location’s past while connecting to the library’s mission of discovery, learning, and community engagement.

Crafted for the Space

To harmonize with Perkins & Will’s vision of natural light, open sightlines, and organic materiality, Moz Designs fabricated a set of flat wall panels from 1/8″ aluminum, perforated with 3/8″ holes on 3/4″ staggered centers. The panels were digitally printed and finished in a durable poly matte coating, maintaining visual clarity while diffusing light for an elegant, soft presence. Custom painted trim was included to cleanly frame each section and blend seamlessly into the library’s architectural language.

Each panel—measuring up to 4′ x 10’—was designed to be modular, flexible for on-site adjustments, and ready for installation. The end result is a graceful integration of art and architecture, where historical narrative meets material innovation.

A Sense of Place, Elevated

This custom installation does more than enhance the physical space—it reinforces the Southwest Library’s connection to its surroundings, both past and present. By bringing the outside world in and offering a visual tribute to the area’s evolution, Moz’s work contributes to a richer, more meaningful library experience.

Project Summary

Location: Washington DC
Industry: Education
Designer/Architect: Perkins & Will – DC
Contractor: Turner Construction