Library Buildings around the World

addressed the client’s vision for both a physical learning resource and a virtual one, essentially creating a hub for electronicallybased
information and knowledge. Morris Library, an ARL Member Library, plays a broad role in providing support to campus
research and instruction efforts through distance learning, instructional development and evaluation, and technology to support
all aspects of teaching and scholarship. In the same vein, the newly-expanded library became the home to the new Academic
Technology Center. The renovated facility provides a variety of study spaces, improved access to the library collections and
upgrades to technology systems. Designed to be a welcoming and omfortable facility, Morris Library is a modern center with
electronic resources, numerous spaces for interaction and collaboration, high density shelving for material storage and a student cafe
commons. (Ratio)
John F. Kennedy Library, Muncie Public Library, Muncie, IN – USA 2009
Experience prior to Kevin Huse’s affiliation with RATIO, SIZE: 11,500sf Renov., 3,600sf Addition, COST : $2.2M
The Muncie Public Library Kennedy branch first opened in November 1964 as a memorial to the late President Kennedy. Located
on a major commercial thoroughfare, the popular branch library offers convenient access to nearby neighborhoods. Due to its
proximity to residents, the facility’s children’s programming has always been a significant offering. Because the popular branch had
outgrown its current facility and was in need of some updating, the Muncie Public Library system opted to expand and renovate
the space. A new addition created a new lobby, public meeting rooms, an enlarged children’s area, periodical areas and a coffee
shop. In addition, existing spaces were reconfigured, which included transforming an underutilized storage wing into usable space.
(Ratio)
Monroe County Public Library, Bloomington, IN – USA 2009
Experience prior to Kevin Huse’s affiliation with RATIO, SIZE: 54,185sf Renov., COST : $ 1.1M
The Monroe County Public Library’s renovation helped improve library operations by consolidating service points so as to provide
better services to library patrons; provided an updated look for one of the busiest libraries in the state; and made the building and
its collections easier to navigate. As a part of the project, public computer access was moved out of a lab setting and onto the main
floor level so that staff could better offer interaction and research assistance. This renovated space features comfortable seating and
small group study areas with power and data connections for patron computer use. The updated first floor children’s department
comes alive with vibrant colors and child-friendly educational flooring. New shapes, patterns, colors and textures throughout the
space increase learning opportunities for both parents and their children. (Ratio)
Southwest Durham Library, Durham Public Libraries, Durham, NC – USA 2009
sq. ft.: 15,000 add., 10,000 ren., COSTS : $ 3,200,000
A welcoming, customer centered building was top priority for the project. An inviting new entry is the point of intersection and the
hub of all library activities. The interior was reorganized into three bays lit by roof monitors with seating at the center of each. There
is a clear separation between the adult and children’s sections. The smaller scale of the existing building with lower existing
windows and heights is dedicated to children’s activities. The addition is a clear departure from the existing in building form. It
emphasizes approachability and accessibility, two qualities key to the overall goals of the library system. The addition takes
advantage of daylighting by collecting natural light through southern oriented roof monitors. The perimeter spaces provide a place
for staff workrooms and other activities while still allowing easy access to all parts of the library The west side of the building
features glass corners and glass enclosed workrooms. These workrooms will provide views to the wooded area. (Ratio)
Leesville Community Library Wake County Libraries, Raleigh, NC - USA 2009
Architecture / Preservation / Interior Design / Landscape Architecture, Sq. Ft.: 8,000, COSTS : $ 2,900,000
The library was conceived as a pavilion in the trees, an elevated forest perch for reading and enjoying natural views. A solid brickenclosed
volume with punched openings for fenestration houses all the service related spaces. A much larger reading pavilion with
uninterrupted views houses book stacks and study areas. Natural materials were utilized throughout the library to complement
the natural setting. Red clay brick, natural patina zinc panels and honey colored woods create a welcoming and unified palette.
Aluminum and insulated glass walls surround the pavilion with the continuous glazing along the tops of the walls. This creates the
illusion that the wood roof is floating above the space. The lower portions of the glass walls are punctuated with zinc panels or brick
to provide increased insulation to the building envelope. Day lighting was also a primary consideration. The long axis of the
building is oriented to maximize southern and northern exposures. The overhang on the southern exposure controls solar gain and
glare while the northern exposure brings indirect natural light deep into the building. The forest is thick enough to effectively
shade the building year round. (Ratio)
David L. Rice Library, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN – USA 2006
Kevin Huse: Library Programming, Design, Interiors & Furnishings / Hafer Associates: Architect of Record Architecture /
programming & planning / interior design, Sq. Ft.: 155,000, COSTS: $26.3 million
The initial phase of work involved a “Programming and Conceptual Design Document” for the existing 1971 library; however, after
reviewing the budget, schedule and program needs, the campus came to the conclusion to build new. This new five-level library/
Classroom building—with approximately 18,000 square feet for classrooms and labs—is the tallest building on campus. In addition
to circulation, reference, reading rooms, archives, and special collections, the Rice Library also contains a Starbucks and Coffee
Commons—equipped with wired and wireless access as well as a variety of seating areas. Although located within this new facility, it
is zoned outside of the security parameters of the library functions to allow for alternative hours of operation. The library has been
profiled in numerous publications including Library By Design (a supplement to Library Journal), USA Today, and USI Magazine.
(Ratio)
Irwin Academic Services Center, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL - USA 2006
Sq. Ft.: 11,400, COSTS: $4.6 million
The Irwin Academic Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers the best in academic services to more than 600
student-athletes. In the summer of 2006, RATIO completed a new, $4.6 million, 11,400 sq. ft., four-story addition to the centrally
located Tutor Revival style structure. The addition creates a more comfortable environment for student learning through new
student resource areas. A presentation room, a multi-purpose room, individual tutoring and study rooms, and computer labs were
all part of the addition. Along with these amenities, the addition also included building support areas such as administrative offices,
a preparation kitchen and restrooms. (Ratio)
Columbus Learning Center, Community Education Coalition, Columbus, IN - USA 2005
RATIO Architects: Executive Architect / KPF-New York: Design Architect, Sq. Ft.: 123,000, COSTS: $23 million
The Columbus Learning Center is a high-technology facility that makes it possible to expand the local programs of Indiana
University, Purdue School of Technology, Ivy Tech Community College, Work Force Development, and Bartholomew County
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