Let There Be Light: Atlanta University Center

Harvesting sunlight has the power to save energy and therefore money, and to brighten up a library like fluorescent just can’t. But as anyone who has tried to use a computer in tanning-bed-powerful glare will tell you, sunlight has to be controlled to be desirable. These buildings have mechanisms in place to do just that.

The renovation of the Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library replaced many solid interior walls with glass panels to maximize daylight use. They can be raised or lowered to separate the library’s 24-hour area from the rest of the facility after hours.

Architect: Shepley Bulfinch

Photo: Kat Nania