Library Buildings around the World

School Corporation. The facility contains nine classrooms, a distance education classroom, an experimental classroom, six computer
teaching labs, a 200-seat lecture hall, and a Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), all shared by each institution. Other shared
spaces include a 100-seat dining area, a bookstore, e-mail bars, and student lounges. Administrative offices located on the second
floor. The building is designed for ultimate flexibility by incorporating a raised-flooring system on each level of the building. This
flooring system contains HVAC distribution, as well as technology and electrical infrastructure. A two-story corridor runs the length
of the facility to provide connection to the adjacent institutions. This corridor, referred to as the “street”, faces the new quadrangle
for the campus. (Ratio)
Urbana Free Library, Urbana, IL – USA 2004
Sq. Ft.: 40,000, COSTS: $6,300,000
The project consisted of a complete renovation of the existing historic building, as well as an addition to house enlarged sections.
Acting as Library Design Consultant for the project, RATIO’s involvement included program analysis and preliminary design
services, as well as being responsible for the façade design of the addition. The project included a new accessible entrance to the
entire library that consolidated horizontal and vertical access. Though not a Carnegie Library, the historic structure provided its
own set of challenges. The cladding of the addition that had been put on in the 1970’s, was stripped and with the addition, the
building was increased to nearly 2.5 times the original size. This allowed a dramatic increase in the library’s collection while
substantially increasing the useable space for the Adult and Children’s spaces. Most importantly, the County archives that are a
very important public service, were increased to allow better and more efficient access. The new circulation desk in the addition
provides a better and central location to serve the public needs. The restoration of the historic areas of the original building
maintained the character that has been so important to the community. The building was designed to accommodate another future
addition to the West. The parking was completely renovated and increased to satisfy new needs. (Ratio)
Library, Information and Alumni Center (UIUC) College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental
Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, IL – USA 2001
Kevin Huse: Library Programming, Design & Interiors / PSA Dewberry: Architect of Record, Architecture / PROGRAMming &
PLANNING / interior design, aces library, information & alumni centerSq. Ft.: 83,683, COSTS: $23 million
The ACES Library, Information and Alumni Center allowed the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s (UIUC) College of
Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences to unify its agriculture and consumer/environmental sciences library
collections, and centralize its information and computer services. In addition to stack space, the information center includes
individual study space for 211 students,collaborative study rooms and a library office complex. The Alumni Center and the Career
Center (also housed within this facility) each contain their own reception area, meeting rooms, offices, and support facilities as well
as extensive technology resources. The Alumni Center also offers a multimedia conference facility with distance learning capabilities,
and a student café and commons area. A key goal of the project was to create a unique architectural statement that enhances the
visual unity of the University’s south campus. Aces Library’s uniquelyshaped design achieved this goal. The University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign Library is the second largest academic library in the country and a notable ARL Member Library. (Ratio)
Park Library and Information Services Center, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI – USA
2001
Kevin Huse: Library Programming Planning, Design, Interiors & Furnishings / URS: Architect of Record, Sq. Ft.: 305,755, COSTS:
$51 million
The Park Library and Information Services Center (LISC) renovation and expansion created a complex that is the centerpiece
of an emerging, technology-focused learning environment at Central Michigan University. The LISC contains client/server
technology supported by infrastructure that integrates multimedia information into group and individual learning settings.
The facility houses 1.3 million volumes, 90 percent of which is in nearly five miles of mobile ranges—one of the largest installations in
North America. Additional amenities include specialized instructional areas, a 145-seat modern multimedia facility, an art
exhibit and reception complex, and a 20,000 square foot environmentally controlled archival facility. Within just two years of its
completion, the gate count to this facility increased 50 percent. (Ratio)
Lawrence W. Inlow Hall & LAW Library, Indiana University, School of Law, Indianapolis, IN – USA
2001
RATIO Architects: Architect of Record / Robert A.M. Stern: Design Architect Architecture / Interior Design / Landscape
Architecture, Sqft. 120.000, Costs: $ 27.000.000
Located within walking distance of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, the Lawrence W. Inlow Hall and Library is highly visible along
the east side of campus. Facing the downtown area, the building presents an identifiable entry to the campus. Gerald Bepko, IUPUI
Chancellor, described the building as a gateway. “The new law school will enhance the educational experiences of students, not only
through its state-of-the-art technology but also by its proximity to the city and the heart of state government.” Project goals were
many, and included the design of a facility for the new law school that would promote and foster excellent learning. The design
incorporated spaces for student and faculty interaction, areas for school gatherings and events, and a 57,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art
library (the Indiana University Library is an ARL Member Library). Additionally, the 120,000 sq. ft. law building houses new
classrooms, a moot court, as well as faculty and administrative offices. (Ratio)
Brown County Public Library, Brown County Library Board, Nashville, IN – USA 2000
Sq. Ft.: 18,250, COSTS: $2,925,930
2003 Indiana Library Federation “Library of the Year”
The site selected for the Brown County Public Library features a sloping topography and vistas of the tree–covered hills for which
Nashville, Indiana, is famous. Numerous windows permit patrons to observe and appreciate this surrounding natural spectacle, and
north-facing clerestory windows allow indirect sunlight to filter into the spaces below. The main parking lot is terraced with
plantings and retaining walls to minimize its visual impact on the natural beauty of the site. The building’s design incorporates
various materials indigenous to the area, including a fireplace fabricated with foundation stone. Foundation stones are typically
large blocks of dressed local stone that have been used for the support of bridge pylons or as the foundations for significant
structures. Local artisan works were incorporated into the interior and exterior design of the building, adding to the “Brown County
Style.” (Ratio)
Kinlaw Library / Kirkland Learning Resources Center, Asbury University, Wilmore, KY – USA 1999
Kevin Huse: Library Programming, Planning, Design, Interiors & Furnishings, Architecture / programming & planning / interior
designSq. Ft.: 75,312, COSTS: $14 million
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