Library Buildings around the World

Alspector Architecture, LLC - USA
http://www.alspectorarchitecture.com
Libraries:
John Cotton Dana Library, Rutgers University, Newark, NY – USA on design
Multi-Scheme Master Planning and Conceptual Design Studies to transform, restore and upgrade the Newark campus’ existing
main library (build: 1967/1977). Interactive workshop design process facilitated determining the building program and evolving the
final scheme. Elements recasting the library into a renewed campus center of study and learning are a state of the art Learning
Commons, a Jazz Café, expanded Institute for Jazz Studies archives, and a variety of individual collaborative learning and study
spaces including group studies, instructional computer labs, seminar rooms and new public assembly rooms. (Alspector)
Mid-Mannhattan Library, New York Public Library, New York, NY – USA on design
Renovations and expansion of the main circulating library. Winner of invited design competition.
Jacob Alspector served as Associate Partner in charge while at Gwathmey Siegel & Associates.
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library New York University (Reconstruction of the Philip Johnson Building –
1972), New York, NY – USA Phase I : 2009, Phase II: i.constr.
Philip Johnson ( 1906 – 2005) / Richard T. Foster (1919 – 2002 ) 1968-1971
One of four buildings executed for the university by Philip Johnson, Bobst Library was part of the unrealized NYU Campus Master
Plan by Johnson and Foster. Although its red sandstone facade reveals the architects' attempt to work within the context of
Washington Square, the large-scale building towers over the surrounding buildings. Its lack of applied ornament and formal
expression of the steel frame are features of modern architecture. At the same time, its fluted masonry cladding, enormous Palladian
atrium and elaborate first floor pattern are historic references that characterize postmodern buildings.
See also: Philip Johnson Alan Ritchie Architects, New York, NY – USA http://www.pjar.com
As the start of an ongoing multi-year renovation of NYU’s iconic 490,000 square foot main library on Washington Square, Alspector
Architecture re-evaluated the library’s master plan and developed a detailed library program. The completed design includes a
careful renewal of the first two above grade floors of Philip Johnson’s 1972 building and the comprehensive transformation of the
buildings two below-grade levels. The program required support for learner-centered and collaborative teaching, research and study
methods. Alspector Architecture developed a rich variety of spaces, including circulation and reference centers; technology, reserves
and microforms help desks; computer classrooms; refreshment lounge; and a variety of individual and collaborative study spaces.
New York University, Phase II
Following the successful Phase I Renewal and Renovations of NYU’s iconic 490,000 square foot main library on Washington Square,
Alspector Architecture undertook the comprehensive planning of a multi-year renovation of the balance of library public service
space. Phase II will encompass phased departmental and collection relocations, new and refurbished Furniture, Fixtures &
Equipment and complete information technologies, lighting, and mechanical infrastructure upgrades for Philip Johnson’s 1972
building along with enhancements to the atrium such as skylights and new safety barriers. Phase II Planning Study completed April
2007.
Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN – USA 2006
Main Library Expansion & Renovation
Two story 127,000 square foot addition to existing 240,000 square foot library. Community-use facilities include: flexible meetingrooms,
“Access Fort Wayne Television” program, community computing and training, exhibition gallery, cafe, and library store.
New below-grade garage and auditorium with separate entrance for off-hour use. Design phase included workshop interactions with
private and public entities to meet goals of library and community. Completed 2006.
*Jacob Alspector served as Associate Partner in charge while at Gwathmey Siegel & Associates
Utah Valley University Library (Digital Learning Center), Utah Valley State College, Orem, UT – USA
2008
Alspector Architecture acted as the concept and library design consultants for the programming phase for a new 180,000 square foot
Digital Learning Center. The subsequent Concept Design effort included the creation of a new north campus quad for the 25,000
student state college growing into university status. Following concept design Alspector Architecture was the Design-Build
Competition winner in 2006; expected completion is set for June 2008. (Alspector)
Science, Industry & Business Library, New York Public Library, New York, NY - USA 1996
Awards:
AIA NYC Merit Award, 2001
National AIA/ALA Buildings Award, 1997
Architectural Record Interiors Award, 1997
ull-service public circulating and research library in landmarked building. Storage for collection of over 1.5 million books, openshelf
reference, 50,000 sq. ft. library-administration offices, 125-seat conference center and 60 seat electronic training center.
Multiple phase, fast-track design and construction. Flexible design to accommodate emerging technologies. Multiple public-agency
approval, including DASNY and NYC, NYS, and US governments. Private and public funding. (Alspector)
*Jacob Alspector served as Senior Associate in charge while at Gwathmey Siegel & Associates
Samuel Anderson Architects, New York – USA
http://www.samuelanderson.com
Libraries:
HUL Adminstration, OIS & Weissman Preservation Center, Harvard University Library, Cambridge,
MA – USA 2006
24.000 sqf.
The architects created a finely scaled building. The open workspaces on the North side take advantage of abundant natural
illumination while mechanical equipment is clustered in dropped ceiling surrounding the core. Up-lights in custom workstations
illuminate the resulting uncluttered slabs, enhancing the building's transparency.
Each floor's circulation is organized by a gently folded wall of bookcases punctuated by portals into private offices. Custom
furniture throughout is moveable, including the specialized equipment of the Special Collections Conservation Laboratory- a stateof-the-art
facility for treatment of rare books, manuscripts, and maps.
Renewable and recycled materials including FSC-certified wood for finished and custom furniture were used throughout. Innovative
lighting, air quality, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and storm water management, earned USGBC's prestigious LEED
GOLD certification.
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