Library Buildings around the World

campus provide gathering spaces and outdoor study areas with access to the campus’ wireless data network. The new library is an
important step in fulfilling the campus masterplan, also conceived by John Portman & Associates.
The 132,000-square-foot library features a unique sinuous form that responds to the constraints of the site. The building is anchored
by a dramatic 3-story, glass enclosed rotunda soaring over 90 feet in height and bringing natural light into the library’s interior, a
lively, activated and inviting space that will accommodate the University's growing student population.
Conceived to be a distinctive signature building for Norfolk State, the new library will be state-of-the-art with a technology-rich
Information Commons, Computer Resource Lab, e-Learning Center, and Internet Café. In addition to traditional book stacks and
reading spaces, the building will contain 30 study rooms, a graduate student research room and a large meeting/instruction room
that will accommodate up to 50 people and include the latest in audio-visual capabilities. The design team is pursuing Silver level
LEED certification, as sustainability practices have been of utmost importance throughout the design process.
The project team includes local architect of record Moseley Architects, library experts Jay Lucker and Tappe Associates, and
technology consultants, Waveguide. The Fall 2011 opening of the new library will be followed by the completion of the new campus
quadrangles in Spring 2012.
(http://www.portmanusa.com/newsitem.php?id=5537&category=archive)
Antoine Predock Architect PC, Albuquerque, NM – USA
http://www.predock.com
Libraries:
School of Architecture and Planning, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM - USA 1999/2007
In association with Executive Architect Jon Anderson.
The new School of Architecture and Planning at the University of New Mexico is driven by the necessity of making a building that
inspires and teaches students about the potential of architecture. This notion is intersected with the desire to allow the building to be
shaped by specific environmental, urban and campus forces. Additionally, the timeless relationships between building and
environment from the cliffs of Canyon de Chelly to the mute, powerfull walls of Anasazi architecture, conceptually and materially
inform our project. The building optimizes envelope while still incorporating these forces.
Believing that a student can be engaged and actively learn from the intrinsic qualities of the spaces in which they work, the project
accomplishes this on a multitude of levels. First, by revealing infrastructure and environmental systems such as the cooling
tower/solar engine loop. Second, by demonstrating how plan and section are connected in a complex relationship linking light,
spatial flows and structure. This is most clearly evidenced where the studios and seminar rooms form a layered canyon of modulated
light. Third, places like the 'hanging' seminar rooms and the rooftop terraces call into question the conventional occupation and
programming of space.
The articulated wall on Central Avenue becomes a new abstract sign along Route 66. Its solar apertures relate to moments of
equinox and solstice throughout the year. Nomadic occupation of the studios and the possibility of student encampments on the
terraces contrast the physicality and permanence of the concrete wall. Following the campus design directives, the massing and color
of the building exterior relates directly to the stepped forms and the earth-colored stucco that define and bring cohesion to the UNM
campus. (Predock)
Designed by world-renowned architect Antoine Predock, FAIA, the AIA 2006 Gold Medal recipient, George Pearl Hall is a state of
the art learning and teaching facility. The 108,000 square foot building is the gateway to the UNM campus and home of the School of
Architecture and Planning. With five levels of academic space, the building contains undergraduate and graduate design studios, a
critique bridge, classrooms, computer labs, fabrications lab, exhibition gallery, and auditorium. The Fine Arts Library occupies the
full fifth floor and has become a favorite study space for students from throughout the UNM campus.
(http://saap.unm.edu/about/the-building/index.html)
The UNM Fine Arts and Design Library supports the teaching and research programs of the University in the fields of architecture
and planning, landscape architecture, art, music and photography. Over 200,000 items including books, periodicals, art exhibition
catalogs, music scores, sound recordings, videos, as well as several collections of rare and unique works in the fine arts are housed on
the top level of Pearl Hall. For details and hours, visit the Library website.
(http://saap.unm.edu/about/the-building/fine-arts-library.html)
Green Valley Community Performing Arts and Learning Center, Green Valley, AZ – USA Phase I
2004.Phase II 2007
Awards:
American Architecture Award 2005
Rome Prize 1985
American Institute of Architects Gold Medal 2006
Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum´s Lifetime Achievement Award 2007
Green Valley Performing Arts & Learning Center Pima Community College Green Valley, Arizona 1996/2004
Sited at the head of a small arroyo, the Green Valley Community Performing Arts and Learning Center (CPA/LC) is positioned in
the landscape to maximize views to the Santa Catalinas, Santa Ritas, San Cayetano Peak and the distant Tumacacori Mountains
while creating a shared Learning Center/Theater courtyard protected from dust laden prevailing southwest winds. A future 250 seat
outdoor amphitheater also oriented for views anchors the theater complex to the site and expands out into the landscape. The
amphitheater is accessed from the covered walkway and continues, to define the south edge of the courtyard. The procession begins
with the approach to the Community Theater/Learning Center complex. Viewed from a distance, the shimmering copper clad
theater nestles within the desert colored concrete forms of the stagehouse, rehearsal rooms and Pima College multipurpose space.
The lower volumes of the theater-back of house and the Learning Center will be earth colored stucco. The larger volumes of the
theater serve as wind breaks and provide shaded areas within the courtyard. A grove of Palo Brea trees creates an oasis within the
courtyard while a covered walkway wraps the courtyard linking the Theater with the Learning Center. This basket-like layering of
translucent glass defines a crystalline realm where visitors observe and participate in theater. Edge lighting of the glass broadcasts
into a diffuse glowing light that also functions as house light. Glass at the ceiling screens catwalks and technical ledges while
dissolving into acoustically shaped wall surfaces. This lining acoustically focuses sound in the manner of a Direct Reflected Sequence
performance space. The Learning Center defines the northwest edge of the courtyard and creates its own internal protected
courtyard for circulation. This allows classes to spill out into a protected outdoor area as well as encourage interaction between
different classes. Future additions to the Learning Center would continue within this framework, further defining the main
courtyard and providing protection from the sun and wind. Outdoor circulation takes advantage of Green Valley’s climate and the
views from the site. (Predock)
In association with Burns, Wald-Hopkins Architects as the Executive Architect
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