JB Blunk / Thousand Oaks Library

Alpha + 2 (1984) by JB Blunk (1926–2002)

Last weekend I made a delivery up to Thousand Oaks after a disappointing shopping trip to the Rose Bowl flea market. It was my first time in the city so I decided to visit Alpha + 2.

The Thousand Oaks Grant R Brimhall Library (formerly Canejo) is home to the monumental three piece redwood sculpture by Blunk. The work was commissioned in the late 1970s as part of the original construction of the library. It was commissioned and funded by the the Thousand Oaks Art Commission. 

The sculpture was selected based on a scale model that Blunk executed in clay.

It was controversial at the time. There was a contingency who didn't think it was worth the $35,000 price tag when there was still a need to purchase more books. The City Council approved the funding 4 to 1. The sculpture was originally going to be placed in the children's section and was meant to be an "object of play."  Ultimately it would be placed in the foyer next to the main entrance, where it still stands.

Source: Thousand Oaks Star, Sep 9, 1982

The finished sculpture was unveiled in June of 1984. It was the first major purchase by the City. 

Source: Thousand Oaks Star, Jan 31, 1986

There's also an interesting backstory with the actual library building.

Photo: Balthazar Korab

 

In 1978 Richard and Dion Neutra Architectects were selected by the Thousand Oaks City Council to design the new library. Dion was heading the firm at the time since his father passed in 1970. Dion had already designed the Huntington Beach Library, which was completed in 1975.

  Source: Thousand Oaks Star, Oct 11, 1978

Although a Blunk in a Neutra sounds like a perfect match, it was not to be. Not too long after being selected, Neutra & Associates dropped out stating they would be unable to meet the design timeline for the project. AC Martin took over the project. Not a bad runner up. They have done some great buildings over the years.

  Source: Thousand Oaks Star, Jan 10, 1979

The library is located on a 44-acre meadow with mature oak trees along an arroyo. The building is oriented to take advantage of natural breezes and sunlight, supporting an energy-efficient design while preserving the rural landscape. The original program provided space for 230,000 books, a separate children’s area, community meeting rooms, and administrative functions. It has since been expanded. 

Photo: Balthazar Korab

The interior has an exposed steel truss framework with dark blue accents and suspended HVAC ducts. It makes for an interesting futuristic background for the Blunk.