Library Buildings around the World

exterior has added light, energy and transparency to the building—an integral part of the library’s new identity. It now welcomes
3,500 visitors a day. The open plan combines the two sides of the building into one library. An addition to the second floor provides
more floor space with the ability to separate quiet and public study zones. The relocated entry opens into an atrium connecting the
first and second floors. The southern exposure of the primary facade offers an opportunity to take advantage of an ideal day lighting
circumstance. Through the use of carefully designed shading structures the design responds to environmental concerns, maximizing
daylight and views inside and out while avoiding direct light and undesirable heat gain. The primary view from the street is the
activities occurring within the library—connecting the inside and outside. The library received a Merit Award from the American
Institute of Architects, North Carolina Chapter in 2006. (Cherry)
Clark Construction Group, Bethesda, MD – USA
http://www.clarkconstruction.com
University of Maryland at Baltimore Health Sciences Library, Baltimore, MD - USA 1998
190,000 sqf., $ 10,000,000 – 50,000,000
University of Maryland at Baltimore, Architect: The Design Collective
Awards:
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Baltimore Chapter (New Construction, $10 million +)
University of Maryland at Baltimore, Architect: The Design Collective
The second largest medical library on the East Coast provides the highest level of library and computing services available. The
state-of-the-art information services building serves over 900 libraries in 10 states as part of the biomedical network of the National
Library of Medicine. Many highgrade finishes are incorporated into the six-level building, including maple and cherry-wood
paneling and black granite counter tops. Telecommunications cabling, fiber-optics, and 1500 computer data connections were
installed throughout the facility. The Information Access and Management Center, located on the building’s main floor, allows users
to access database and networked information. Three Technology-Assisted Learning Classrooms are used for training, advanced
applications, file management, and design of expert systems.
Clark Nexsen, Norfolk, VA – USA
http://www.clarknexsen.com
Libraries:
Patricia W. & J. Douglas Perry Library, Student Success Center, Old Dominum University, Norfolk, VA
– USA 2011
The Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library is home to most of the Old Dominion University Libraries’ collections and services.
The University Library was opened in its present location off 43rd street in 1976, with a major addition and renovation completed in
February 1998. It was renamed the Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library on December 10, 1998 and was dedicated on April 15,
1999.
Completed in: 2011, Project size: 76,316 SF; Construction cost: $9,700,000
To create an interactive “Learning Commons” and accommodate the University College, which helps students transition to college
life, the library at Old Dominion University underwent both a renovation to some of its existing spaces, as well as an addition of
30,000 SF.
Approximately 20,000 SF on the first floor of the existing Perry Library was captured to create the “Learning Commons”, which
includes multi-task open work areas, enclosed meeting rooms and project rooms, social gathering spaces, and a small cafe.
Additionally, approximately 30,000 SF were added to accommodate University College and its support services to students.
The Center serves as a a central hub for 24,000 students and operates 24 hours. Our design direction was for an atmosphere of
exploration, collaboration, and social activity. The Center is a destination, a place to see and be seen, and a home base for
commuting students.
A single inversion arc draws students to the main entry addition. The arc curves through the iconic Perry Library to form a strong
geometry unifying the 1973 vernacular with the new. The design incorporates ODU “blue” paired with a warm “gold”. Overall tones
borrow from the existing library neutrals and feature exposed concrete, reinforcing the overall technology theme. Glass partitions
expand the spaces one into the next for a dramatic layering effect. The University embraced a “for students/by students” philosophy
and a student advisory committee participated in the design process. Furniture selections support technology-driven requirements.
Mock-ups were installed for onsite testing for a semester. Overall comfort, performance, and ease of power and data integration
Civil engineering design for this project included site layout and grading for a series of ramps and curved steps to integrate with the
campus overall master landscape plan. Stormwater design, which included a new bioretention facility and compliance with the
campus stormwater master plan, and site utility design, including the design of a 12-inch City-owned water main for future use.
Extensive coordination was involved with DCR for stormwater approval, Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) for sanitary
sewer coordination, and the City of Norfolk Utilities Department for design and approval of the 12-inch water main.drove product
selection. Practicality meets imagination in this community and technology-driven center. (Clark)
CO Architects, Los Angeles, CA – USA
http://www.coarchitects.com
Libraries:
Santa Monica College Library – Santa Monica, CA – USA 2003
CONTACT: Bruce Smith Public Information Officer
(310) 434-4209 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: November 14, 2005
Website
SMC LIBRARY, SCIENCE COMPLEX WIN
STATE ARCHITECTURAL AWARDS
Santa Monica College’s Library Expansion & Modernization Project and its Science Complex have both won prestigious statewide
awards from the Community College Facility Coalition. Both projects were designed by CO Architects of Los Angeles, formerly
Anshen + Allen.
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