Welcome to the 2018 Library Design Showcase, American Libraries’ annual celebration of new and renovated libraries. These shining examples of innovative architectural feats address user needs in unique, interesting, and effective ways. Renovations and expansions continued to dominate submissions, showing how communities are finding novel ways to conserve and honor existing spaces while moving them well into the 21st century.
Rebirth After Tragedy
Joplin (Mo.) Public Library The new library in Joplin, Missouri, is a symbol of rebirth and a testament to the town’s perseverance in the years following the devastating EF5 tornado that destroyed much of the city in 2011. Larger by more than 22,000 square feet than the old library, which escaped the tornado unscathed, the new building has a cultural center with indoor and outdoor space for the community to gather and learn. Project: New construction Architect: Sapp Design Architects/OPN Architects Size: 58,000 square feet Cost: $14.4 million Photo: Gayle Babcock/Architectural Imageworks
Rebirth After Tragedy
Joplin (Mo.) Public Library The new library in Joplin, Missouri, is a symbol of rebirth and a testament to the town’s perseverance in the years following the devastating EF5 tornado that destroyed much of the city in 2011. Larger by more than 22,000 square feet than the old library, which escaped the tornado unscathed, the new building has a cultural center with indoor and outdoor space for the community to gather and learn. Project: New construction Architect: Sapp Design Architects/OPN Architects Size: 58,000 square feet Cost: $14.4 million Photo: Gayle Babcock/Architectural Imageworks
Rebirth After Tragedy
Joplin (Mo.) Public Library The new library in Joplin, Missouri, is a symbol of rebirth and a testament to the town’s perseverance in the years following the devastating EF5 tornado that destroyed much of the city in 2011. Larger by more than 22,000 square feet than the old library, which escaped the tornado unscathed, the new building has a cultural center with indoor and outdoor space for the community to gather and learn. Project: New construction Architect: Sapp Design Architects/OPN Architects Size: 58,000 square feet Cost: $14.4 million Photo: Gayle Babcock/Architectural Imageworks
Rebirth After Tragedy
Joplin (Mo.) Public Library The new library in Joplin, Missouri, is a symbol of rebirth and a testament to the town’s perseverance in the years following the devastating EF5 tornado that destroyed much of the city in 2011. Larger by more than 22,000 square feet than the old library, which escaped the tornado unscathed, the new building has a cultural center with indoor and outdoor space for the community to gather and learn. Project: New construction Architect: Sapp Design Architects/OPN Architects Size: 58,000 square feet Cost: $14.4 million Photo: Gayle Babcock/Architectural Imageworks
Rebirth After Tragedy
Joplin (Mo.) Public Library The new library in Joplin, Missouri, is a symbol of rebirth and a testament to the town’s perseverance in the years following the devastating EF5 tornado that destroyed much of the city in 2011. Larger by more than 22,000 square feet than the old library, which escaped the tornado unscathed, the new building has a cultural center with indoor and outdoor space for the community to gather and learn. Project: New construction Architect: Sapp Design Architects/OPN Architects Size: 58,000 square feet Cost: $14.4 million Photo: Gayle Babcock/Architectural Imageworks
High School Inspirations North Stafford (Va.) High School Library North Stafford High School’s library was transformed from a dark, outdated, uninspiring space into a state-of-the-art facility inspired by academic libraries, complete with a makerspace, collaborative rooms, instructional areas, and an immersion lab. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors feature the likenesses of seven historical figures chosen by the student body, including Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, and John Glenn. Project: Renovation Architect: Stantec Size: 9,500 square feet Cost: $2 million Photo: Tom Holdsworth Photography
High School Inspirations North Stafford (Va.) High School Library North Stafford High School’s library was transformed from a dark, outdated, uninspiring space into a state-of-the-art facility inspired by academic libraries, complete with a makerspace, collaborative rooms, instructional areas, and an immersion lab. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors feature the likenesses of seven historical figures chosen by the student body, including Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, and John Glenn. Project: Renovation Architect: Stantec Size: 9,500 square feet Cost: $2 million Photo: Tom Holdsworth Photography
High School Inspirations North Stafford (Va.) High School Library North Stafford High School’s library was transformed from a dark, outdated, uninspiring space into a state-of-the-art facility inspired by academic libraries, complete with a makerspace, collaborative rooms, instructional areas, and an immersion lab. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors feature the likenesses of seven historical figures chosen by the student body, including Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, and John Glenn. Project: Renovation Architect: Stantec Size: 9,500 square feet Cost: $2 million Photo: Tom Holdsworth Photography
High School Inspirations North Stafford (Va.) High School Library North Stafford High School’s library was transformed from a dark, outdated, uninspiring space into a state-of-the-art facility inspired by academic libraries, complete with a makerspace, collaborative rooms, instructional areas, and an immersion lab. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors feature the likenesses of seven historical figures chosen by the student body, including Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, and John Glenn. Project: Renovation Architect: Stantec Size: 9,500 square feet Cost: $2 million Photo: Tom Holdsworth Photography
High School Inspirations North Stafford (Va.) High School Library North Stafford High School’s library was transformed from a dark, outdated, uninspiring space into a state-of-the-art facility inspired by academic libraries, complete with a makerspace, collaborative rooms, instructional areas, and an immersion lab. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors feature the likenesses of seven historical figures chosen by the student body, including Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, and John Glenn. Project: Renovation Architect: Stantec Size: 9,500 square feet Cost: $2 million Photo: Tom Holdsworth Photography
An Information Oasis Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, New Castle, Delaware The Route 9 Library and Innovation Center is a much-needed island of resources and services for an area in New Castle bound by industrial waterways and interstate highways. A perforated, copper-colored steel roof mimics a leafy tree canopy offering safety and security, while inside the building a gathering area is available for community events and programming. Project: New construction Architect: Perkins + Will/Tetra Tech Size: 44,000 square feet Cost: $20.1 million Photo: Mark Herboth Photography
An Information Oasis Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, New Castle, Delaware The Route 9 Library and Innovation Center is a much-needed island of resources and services for an area in New Castle bound by industrial waterways and interstate highways. A perforated, copper-colored steel roof mimics a leafy tree canopy offering safety and security, while inside the building a gathering area is available for community events and programming. Project: New construction Architect: Perkins + Will/Tetra Tech Size: 44,000 square feet Cost: $20.1 million Photo: Mark Herboth Photography
An Information Oasis Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, New Castle, Delaware The Route 9 Library and Innovation Center is a much-needed island of resources and services for an area in New Castle bound by industrial waterways and interstate highways. A perforated, copper-colored steel roof mimics a leafy tree canopy offering safety and security, while inside the building a gathering area is available for community events and programming. Project: New construction Architect: Perkins + Will/Tetra Tech Size: 44,000 square feet Cost: $20.1 million Photo: Mark Herboth Photography
An Information Oasis Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, New Castle, Delaware The Route 9 Library and Innovation Center is a much-needed island of resources and services for an area in New Castle bound by industrial waterways and interstate highways. A perforated, copper-colored steel roof mimics a leafy tree canopy offering safety and security, while inside the building a gathering area is available for community events and programming. Project: New construction Architect: Perkins + Will/Tetra Tech Size: 44,000 square feet Cost: $20.1 million Photo: Mark Herboth Photography
An Information Oasis Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, New Castle, Delaware The Route 9 Library and Innovation Center is a much-needed island of resources and services for an area in New Castle bound by industrial waterways and interstate highways. A perforated, copper-colored steel roof mimics a leafy tree canopy offering safety and security, while inside the building a gathering area is available for community events and programming. Project: New construction Architect: Perkins + Will/Tetra Tech Size: 44,000 square feet Cost: $20.1 million Photo: Mark Herboth Photography
Impressive Facelifts Forsyth County (N.C.) Central Library Forsyth County demolished a portion of its old library building—actually two incongruous structures built 30 years apart—to create a seamless, light-filled, modern third place for the community with more than 50,000 square feet of new space. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: RATIO Size: 101,000 square feet Cost: $23.8 million Photo: Monica Slaney
Impressive Facelifts Forsyth County (N.C.) Central Library Forsyth County demolished a portion of its old library building—actually two incongruous structures built 30 years apart—to create a seamless, light-filled, modern third place for the community with more than 50,000 square feet of new space. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: RATIO Size: 101,000 square feet Cost: $23.8 million Photo: Monica Slaney
Impressive Facelifts Forsyth County (N.C.) Central Library Forsyth County demolished a portion of its old library building—actually two incongruous structures built 30 years apart—to create a seamless, light-filled, modern third place for the community with more than 50,000 square feet of new space. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: RATIO Size: 101,000 square feet Cost: $23.8 million Photo: Monica Slaney
Impressive Facelifts Forsyth County (N.C.) Central Library Forsyth County demolished a portion of its old library building—actually two incongruous structures built 30 years apart—to create a seamless, light-filled, modern third place for the community with more than 50,000 square feet of new space. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: RATIO Size: 101,000 square feet Cost: $23.8 million Photo: Monica Slaney
Impressive Facelifts
Alcuin Library, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota Designed by famed Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer in 1965, Alcuin Library is an architectural landmark. But it needed a modern overhaul. CSNA Architects’ renovation transformed it from a dark, dense, collection-centered facility, to one that embraces openness and space for campus use while still maintaining the integrity of Breuer’s original design. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: CSNA Architects Size: 80,547 square feet Cost: $21 million Photo: Fred Fuhrmeister
Impressive Facelifts
Alcuin Library, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota Designed by famed Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer in 1965, Alcuin Library is an architectural landmark. But it needed a modern overhaul. CSNA Architects’ renovation transformed it from a dark, dense, collection-centered facility, to one that embraces openness and space for campus use while still maintaining the integrity of Breuer’s original design. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: CSNA Architects Size: 80,547 square feet Cost: $21 million Photo: Fred Fuhrmeister
Impressive Facelifts
Alcuin Library, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota Designed by famed Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer in 1965, Alcuin Library is an architectural landmark. But it needed a modern overhaul. CSNA Architects’ renovation transformed it from a dark, dense, collection-centered facility, to one that embraces openness and space for campus use while still maintaining the integrity of Breuer’s original design. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: CSNA Architects Size: 80,547 square feet Cost: $21 million Photo: Fred Fuhrmeister
Impressive Facelifts
Alcuin Library, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota Designed by famed Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer in 1965, Alcuin Library is an architectural landmark. But it needed a modern overhaul. CSNA Architects’ renovation transformed it from a dark, dense, collection-centered facility, to one that embraces openness and space for campus use while still maintaining the integrity of Breuer’s original design. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: CSNA Architects Size: 80,547 square feet Cost: $21 million Photo: Fred Fuhrmeister
Impressive Facelifts
Alcuin Library, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota Designed by famed Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer in 1965, Alcuin Library is an architectural landmark. But it needed a modern overhaul. CSNA Architects’ renovation transformed it from a dark, dense, collection-centered facility, to one that embraces openness and space for campus use while still maintaining the integrity of Breuer’s original design. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: CSNA Architects Size: 80,547 square feet Cost: $21 million Photo: Fred Fuhrmeister
Impressive Facelifts Dayton (Ohio) Metro Library, Main Library Dayton Metro Library contributed to the revitalization of downtown Dayton with a renovation and expansion of its main library that added four times more public space to the facility. Massive windows look out into an adjacent city park, and a 165-seat theater and 300-seat auditorium provide space for recitals, performances, and events. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: LWC Incorporated/Group 4 Size: 224,000 square feet Cost: $64 million Photo: Ken Schory
Impressive Facelifts Dayton (Ohio) Metro Library, Main Library Dayton Metro Library contributed to the revitalization of downtown Dayton with a renovation and expansion of its main library that added four times more public space to the facility. Massive windows look out into an adjacent city park, and a 165-seat theater and 300-seat auditorium provide space for recitals, performances, and events. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: LWC Incorporated/Group 4 Size: 224,000 square feet Cost: $64 million Photo: Ken Schory
Impressive Facelifts Dayton (Ohio) Metro Library, Main Library Dayton Metro Library contributed to the revitalization of downtown Dayton with a renovation and expansion of its main library that added four times more public space to the facility. Massive windows look out into an adjacent city park, and a 165-seat theater and 300-seat auditorium provide space for recitals, performances, and events. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: LWC Incorporated/Group 4 Size: 224,000 square feet Cost: $64 million Photo: Ken Schory
Impressive Facelifts Dayton (Ohio) Metro Library, Main Library Dayton Metro Library contributed to the revitalization of downtown Dayton with a renovation and expansion of its main library that added four times more public space to the facility. Massive windows look out into an adjacent city park, and a 165-seat theater and 300-seat auditorium provide space for recitals, performances, and events. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: LWC Incorporated/Group 4 Size: 224,000 square feet Cost: $64 million Photo: Ken Schory
Impressive Facelifts Dayton (Ohio) Metro Library, Main Library Dayton Metro Library contributed to the revitalization of downtown Dayton with a renovation and expansion of its main library that added four times more public space to the facility. Massive windows look out into an adjacent city park, and a 165-seat theater and 300-seat auditorium provide space for recitals, performances, and events. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: LWC Incorporated/Group 4 Size: 224,000 square feet Cost: $64 million Photo: Ken Schory
Sustainable Space Richland Library
St. Andrews, Columbia, South Carolina The renovation of Richland Library
St. Andrews transformed the building into a sustainable facility that brings needed green space to the community. After moving the parking lot behind the building, architects used the area to create a patio overlooking an accessible garden that’s irrigated by a rainwater cistern. Project: Renovation
and expansion Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 15,000 square feet Cost:
$7.5 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Sustainable Space Richland Library
St. Andrews, Columbia, South Carolina The renovation of Richland Library
St. Andrews transformed the building into a sustainable facility that brings needed green space to the community. After moving the parking lot behind the building, architects used the area to create a patio overlooking an accessible garden that’s irrigated by a rainwater cistern. Project: Renovation
and expansion Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 15,000 square feet Cost:
$7.5 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Sustainable Space Richland Library
St. Andrews, Columbia, South Carolina The renovation of Richland Library
St. Andrews transformed the building into a sustainable facility that brings needed green space to the community. After moving the parking lot behind the building, architects used the area to create a patio overlooking an accessible garden that’s irrigated by a rainwater cistern. Project: Renovation
and expansion Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 15,000 square feet Cost:
$7.5 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Sustainable Space Richland Library
St. Andrews, Columbia, South Carolina The renovation of Richland Library
St. Andrews transformed the building into a sustainable facility that brings needed green space to the community. After moving the parking lot behind the building, architects used the area to create a patio overlooking an accessible garden that’s irrigated by a rainwater cistern. Project: Renovation
and expansion Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 15,000 square feet Cost:
$7.5 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Sustainable Space Richland Library
St. Andrews, Columbia, South Carolina The renovation of Richland Library
St. Andrews transformed the building into a sustainable facility that brings needed green space to the community. After moving the parking lot behind the building, architects used the area to create a patio overlooking an accessible garden that’s irrigated by a rainwater cistern. Project: Renovation
and expansion Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 15,000 square feet Cost:
$7.5 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Higher Learning R. Howard Webster Library, Concordia University Library, Montreal The renovated R. Howard Webster Library is an immersive visual and auditory experience. Audio clips greet patrons as they enter the library, and green walls filled with plants create natural clean air. The library features 22 types of study areas, including silent reading rooms, zero-noise rooms, presentation practice rooms, and a technology section with 3D printing and virtual reality capabilities. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Menkes Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes Size: 135,670 square feet Cost: $37 million Canadian Photo: Adrien Williams/Concordia Library
Higher Learning R. Howard Webster Library, Concordia University Library, Montreal The renovated R. Howard Webster Library is an immersive visual and auditory experience. Audio clips greet patrons as they enter the library, and green walls filled with plants create natural clean air. The library features 22 types of study areas, including silent reading rooms, zero-noise rooms, presentation practice rooms, and a technology section with 3D printing and virtual reality capabilities. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Menkes Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes Size: 135,670 square feet Cost: $37 million Canadian Photo: Adrien Williams/Concordia Library
Higher Learning R. Howard Webster Library, Concordia University Library, Montreal The renovated R. Howard Webster Library is an immersive visual and auditory experience. Audio clips greet patrons as they enter the library, and green walls filled with plants create natural clean air. The library features 22 types of study areas, including silent reading rooms, zero-noise rooms, presentation practice rooms, and a technology section with 3D printing and virtual reality capabilities. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Menkes Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes Size: 135,670 square feet Cost: $37 million Canadian Photo: Adrien Williams/Concordia Library
Higher Learning R. Howard Webster Library, Concordia University Library, Montreal The renovated R. Howard Webster Library is an immersive visual and auditory experience. Audio clips greet patrons as they enter the library, and green walls filled with plants create natural clean air. The library features 22 types of study areas, including silent reading rooms, zero-noise rooms, presentation practice rooms, and a technology section with 3D printing and virtual reality capabilities. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Menkes Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes Size: 135,670 square feet Cost: $37 million Canadian Photo: Adrien Williams/Concordia Library
Higher Learning R. Howard Webster Library, Concordia University Library, Montreal The renovated R. Howard Webster Library is an immersive visual and auditory experience. Audio clips greet patrons as they enter the library, and green walls filled with plants create natural clean air. The library features 22 types of study areas, including silent reading rooms, zero-noise rooms, presentation practice rooms, and a technology section with 3D printing and virtual reality capabilities. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Menkes Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes Size: 135,670 square feet Cost: $37 million Canadian Photo: Adrien Williams/Concordia Library
Higher Learning Learning Resource Center, Suffolk County (N.Y.) Community College Suffolk County Community College’s new library is a literal beacon of light for students: Its lantern-inspired glass center rises above the roof and illuminates the interior of the building by day and the campus by night. A large information commons and collaborative working space sits within the “lantern.” Project: New construction Architect: ikon.5 architects Size: 68,000 square feet Cost: $24 million Photo: Jeffrey Totaro
Higher Learning Learning Resource Center, Suffolk County (N.Y.) Community College Suffolk County Community College’s new library is a literal beacon of light for students: Its lantern-inspired glass center rises above the roof and illuminates the interior of the building by day and the campus by night. A large information commons and collaborative working space sits within the “lantern.” Project: New construction Architect: ikon.5 architects Size: 68,000 square feet Cost: $24 million Photo: Jeffrey Totaro
Higher Learning Learning Resource Center, Suffolk County (N.Y.) Community College Suffolk County Community College’s new library is a literal beacon of light for students: Its lantern-inspired glass center rises above the roof and illuminates the interior of the building by day and the campus by night. A large information commons and collaborative working space sits within the “lantern.” Project: New construction Architect: ikon.5 architects Size: 68,000 square feet Cost: $24 million Photo: Jeffrey Totaro
Higher Learning Learning Resource Center, Suffolk County (N.Y.) Community College Suffolk County Community College’s new library is a literal beacon of light for students: Its lantern-inspired glass center rises above the roof and illuminates the interior of the building by day and the campus by night. A large information commons and collaborative working space sits within the “lantern.” Project: New construction Architect: ikon.5 architects Size: 68,000 square feet Cost: $24 million Photo: Jeffrey Totaro
Higher Learning Learning Resource Center, Suffolk County (N.Y.) Community College Suffolk County Community College’s new library is a literal beacon of light for students: Its lantern-inspired glass center rises above the roof and illuminates the interior of the building by day and the campus by night. A large information commons and collaborative working space sits within the “lantern.” Project: New construction Architect: ikon.5 architects Size: 68,000 square feet Cost: $24 million Photo: Jeffrey Totaro
Higher Learning John M. Olin Library, Washington University, St. Louis The Newman Tower of Collections and Exploration, which rises from an atrium, is the centerpiece of Washington University’s renovated John M. Olin Library. The glass tower features four levels of space for study and instruction, as well as display areas for rare materials and collections. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Ann Beha Architects Size: 205,000 square feet Cost: $18 million Photo: Alise O’Brien Photography
Higher Learning John M. Olin Library, Washington University, St. Louis The Newman Tower of Collections and Exploration, which rises from an atrium, is the centerpiece of Washington University’s renovated John M. Olin Library. The glass tower features four levels of space for study and instruction, as well as display areas for rare materials and collections. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Ann Beha Architects Size: 205,000 square feet Cost: $18 million Photo: Alise O’Brien Photography
Higher Learning John M. Olin Library, Washington University, St. Louis The Newman Tower of Collections and Exploration, which rises from an atrium, is the centerpiece of Washington University’s renovated John M. Olin Library. The glass tower features four levels of space for study and instruction, as well as display areas for rare materials and collections. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Ann Beha Architects Size: 205,000 square feet Cost: $18 million Photo: Alise O’Brien Photography
Higher Learning John M. Olin Library, Washington University, St. Louis The Newman Tower of Collections and Exploration, which rises from an atrium, is the centerpiece of Washington University’s renovated John M. Olin Library. The glass tower features four levels of space for study and instruction, as well as display areas for rare materials and collections. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Ann Beha Architects Size: 205,000 square feet Cost: $18 million Photo: Alise O’Brien Photography
Higher Learning John M. Olin Library, Washington University, St. Louis The Newman Tower of Collections and Exploration, which rises from an atrium, is the centerpiece of Washington University’s renovated John M. Olin Library. The glass tower features four levels of space for study and instruction, as well as display areas for rare materials and collections. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: Ann Beha Architects Size: 205,000 square feet Cost: $18 million Photo: Alise O’Brien Photography
Higher Learning St. Louis University Academic Technology Commons The standout feature of St. Louis University’s (SLU) Pius XII Memorial Library renovation is a new technology commons that reimagines the academic library service model. Inspired by the Genius Bar at Apple Stores, the “AskSLU” concierge service features walk-up information desks where patrons can receive technical support from both students and faculty. Project: Renovation Architect: RATIO Size: 24,409 square feet Cost: $5 million Photo: Sam Fentress
Higher Learning St. Louis University Academic Technology Commons The standout feature of St. Louis University’s (SLU) Pius XII Memorial Library renovation is a new technology commons that reimagines the academic library service model. Inspired by the Genius Bar at Apple Stores, the “AskSLU” concierge service features walk-up information desks where patrons can receive technical support from both students and faculty. Project: Renovation Architect: RATIO Size: 24,409 square feet Cost: $5 million Photo: Sam Fentress
Higher Learning St. Louis University Academic Technology Commons The standout feature of St. Louis University’s (SLU) Pius XII Memorial Library renovation is a new technology commons that reimagines the academic library service model. Inspired by the Genius Bar at Apple Stores, the “AskSLU” concierge service features walk-up information desks where patrons can receive technical support from both students and faculty. Project: Renovation Architect: RATIO Size: 24,409 square feet Cost: $5 million Photo: Sam Fentress
Higher Learning St. Louis University Academic Technology Commons The standout feature of St. Louis University’s (SLU) Pius XII Memorial Library renovation is a new technology commons that reimagines the academic library service model. Inspired by the Genius Bar at Apple Stores, the “AskSLU” concierge service features walk-up information desks where patrons can receive technical support from both students and faculty. Project: Renovation Architect: RATIO Size: 24,409 square feet Cost: $5 million Photo: Sam Fentress
Higher Learning St. Louis University Academic Technology Commons The standout feature of St. Louis University’s (SLU) Pius XII Memorial Library renovation is a new technology commons that reimagines the academic library service model. Inspired by the Genius Bar at Apple Stores, the “AskSLU” concierge service features walk-up information desks where patrons can receive technical support from both students and faculty. Project: Renovation Architect: RATIO Size: 24,409 square feet Cost: $5 million Photo: Sam Fentress
Peaceful Retreats Richland Library Ballentine, Irmo, South Carolina Nestled in the woods, Richland Library Ballentine was designed to provide a tranquil escape for the community to learn and create. Its central space was modeled after a living room, with a corner space available for artistic pursuits and a large window that provides a view of the surrounding woodlands. Project: New construction Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 14,000 square feet Cost: $8.6 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Peaceful Retreats Richland Library Ballentine, Irmo, South Carolina Nestled in the woods, Richland Library Ballentine was designed to provide a tranquil escape for the community to learn and create. Its central space was modeled after a living room, with a corner space available for artistic pursuits and a large window that provides a view of the surrounding woodlands. Project: New construction Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 14,000 square feet Cost: $8.6 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Peaceful Retreats Richland Library Ballentine, Irmo, South Carolina Nestled in the woods, Richland Library Ballentine was designed to provide a tranquil escape for the community to learn and create. Its central space was modeled after a living room, with a corner space available for artistic pursuits and a large window that provides a view of the surrounding woodlands. Project: New construction Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 14,000 square feet Cost: $8.6 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Peaceful Retreats Richland Library Ballentine, Irmo, South Carolina Nestled in the woods, Richland Library Ballentine was designed to provide a tranquil escape for the community to learn and create. Its central space was modeled after a living room, with a corner space available for artistic pursuits and a large window that provides a view of the surrounding woodlands. Project: New construction Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 14,000 square feet Cost: $8.6 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Peaceful Retreats Richland Library Ballentine, Irmo, South Carolina Nestled in the woods, Richland Library Ballentine was designed to provide a tranquil escape for the community to learn and create. Its central space was modeled after a living room, with a corner space available for artistic pursuits and a large window that provides a view of the surrounding woodlands. Project: New construction Architect: Liollio Architecture Size: 14,000 square feet Cost: $8.6 million Photo: Paul Warchol
Peaceful Retreats Central Library, Austin (Tex.) Public Library Austin’s massive new library merges urbanity with nature. Situated downtown and overlooking Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek, the library is a technology-rich hub with indoor and outdoor reading areas, makerspaces, an art gallery, cooking demo spaces, and a rooftop garden. A rainwater harvesting system and solar panels add sustainable elements to the building. Project: New construction Architect: Lake | Flato Architects/Shepley Bulfinch Size: 200,000 square feet Cost: $125 million Photo: Atelier Wong Photography
Peaceful Retreats Central Library, Austin (Tex.) Public Library Austin’s massive new library merges urbanity with nature. Situated downtown and overlooking Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek, the library is a technology-rich hub with indoor and outdoor reading areas, makerspaces, an art gallery, cooking demo spaces, and a rooftop garden. A rainwater harvesting system and solar panels add sustainable elements to the building. Project: New construction Architect: Lake | Flato Architects/Shepley Bulfinch Size: 200,000 square feet Cost: $125 million Photo: Rachel Kay
Peaceful Retreats Central Library, Austin (Tex.) Public Library Austin’s massive new library merges urbanity with nature. Situated downtown and overlooking Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek, the library is a technology-rich hub with indoor and outdoor reading areas, makerspaces, an art gallery, cooking demo spaces, and a rooftop garden. A rainwater harvesting system and solar panels add sustainable elements to the building. Project: New construction Architect: Lake | Flato Architects/Shepley Bulfinch Size: 200,000 square feet Cost: $125 million Photo: Nic Lehoux
Peaceful Retreats Central Library, Austin (Tex.) Public Library Austin’s massive new library merges urbanity with nature. Situated downtown and overlooking Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek, the library is a technology-rich hub with indoor and outdoor reading areas, makerspaces, an art gallery, cooking demo spaces, and a rooftop garden. A rainwater harvesting system and solar panels add sustainable elements to the building. Project: New construction Architect: Lake | Flato Architects/Shepley Bulfinch Size: 200,000 square feet Cost: $125 million Photo: Nic Lehoux
Peaceful Retreats Central Library, Austin (Tex.) Public Library Austin’s massive new library merges urbanity with nature. Situated downtown and overlooking Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek, the library is a technology-rich hub with indoor and outdoor reading areas, makerspaces, an art gallery, cooking demo spaces, and a rooftop garden. A rainwater harvesting system and solar panels add sustainable elements to the building. Project: New construction Architect: Lake | Flato Architects/Shepley Bulfinch Size: 200,000 square feet Cost: $125 million Photo: Andrea Calo
Peaceful Retreats South Central Regional Library, Louisville (Ky.) Free Public Library South Central Regional Library makes the most of its tree-filled site. Despite its considerable size, the silver geometric facility blends into the environment thanks to its sloping, grass-covered roof and large windows that allow for unfettered views of foliage throughout the building. Project: New construction Architect: JRA Architects/MSR Size: 40,000 square feet Cost: $14.5 million Photo: Brandon Stengel
Peaceful Retreats South Central Regional Library, Louisville (Ky.) Free Public Library South Central Regional Library makes the most of its tree-filled site. Despite its considerable size, the silver geometric facility blends into the environment thanks to its sloping, grass-covered roof and large windows that allow for unfettered views of foliage throughout the building. Project: New construction Architect: JRA Architects/MSR Size: 40,000 square feet Cost: $14.5 million Photo: Brandon Stengel
Peaceful Retreats South Central Regional Library, Louisville (Ky.) Free Public Library South Central Regional Library makes the most of its tree-filled site. Despite its considerable size, the silver geometric facility blends into the environment thanks to its sloping, grass-covered roof and large windows that allow for unfettered views of foliage throughout the building. Project: New construction Architect: JRA Architects/MSR Size: 40,000 square feet Cost: $14.5 million Photo: Brandon Stengel
Peaceful Retreats South Central Regional Library, Louisville (Ky.) Free Public Library South Central Regional Library makes the most of its tree-filled site. Despite its considerable size, the silver geometric facility blends into the environment thanks to its sloping, grass-covered roof and large windows that allow for unfettered views of foliage throughout the building. Project: New construction Architect: JRA Architects/MSR Size: 40,000 square feet Cost: $14.5 million Photo: Brandon Stengel
Peaceful Retreats South Central Regional Library, Louisville (Ky.) Free Public Library South Central Regional Library makes the most of its tree-filled site. Despite its considerable size, the silver geometric facility blends into the environment thanks to its sloping, grass-covered roof and large windows that allow for unfettered views of foliage throughout the building. Project: New construction Architect: JRA Architects/MSR Size: 40,000 square feet Cost: $14.5 million Photo: Brandon Stengel
Connections to the Past Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, New York The new Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville is an open, light-filled space with reading and activity areas that pinwheel outward from a central lobby. Natural limestone used throughout the exterior and interior of the building is an homage to the region’s connection to limestone quarries and the Erie Canal, which was used to transport quarried rock. Project: New construction Architect: King + King Architects Size: 23,700 square feet Cost: $8 million Photo: Revette Studios
Connections to the Past Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, New York The new Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville is an open, light-filled space with reading and activity areas that pinwheel outward from a central lobby. Natural limestone used throughout the exterior and interior of the building is an homage to the region’s connection to limestone quarries and the Erie Canal, which was used to transport quarried rock. Project: New construction Architect: King + King Architects Size: 23,700 square feet Cost: $8 million Photo: Revette Studios
Connections to the Past Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, New York The new Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville is an open, light-filled space with reading and activity areas that pinwheel outward from a central lobby. Natural limestone used throughout the exterior and interior of the building is an homage to the region’s connection to limestone quarries and the Erie Canal, which was used to transport quarried rock. Project: New construction Architect: King + King Architects Size: 23,700 square feet Cost: $8 million Photo: Revette Studios
Connections to the Past Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, New York The new Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville is an open, light-filled space with reading and activity areas that pinwheel outward from a central lobby. Natural limestone used throughout the exterior and interior of the building is an homage to the region’s connection to limestone quarries and the Erie Canal, which was used to transport quarried rock. Project: New construction Architect: King + King Architects Size: 23,700 square feet Cost: $8 million Photo: Revette Studios
Connections to the Past Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, New York The new Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville is an open, light-filled space with reading and activity areas that pinwheel outward from a central lobby. Natural limestone used throughout the exterior and interior of the building is an homage to the region’s connection to limestone quarries and the Erie Canal, which was used to transport quarried rock. Project: New construction Architect: King + King Architects Size: 23,700 square feet Cost: $8 million Photo: Revette Studios
Connections to the Past Auburn Avenue Research Library, Atlanta One of four archive and research centers in the US devoted to Africana and African-American collections, Auburn Avenue Research Library completed an extensive renovation that repositioned its entire structure, built
in 1994, moving the auditorium, seminar rooms, and galleries to the street-level floor for better community access. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: J.W. Robinson and Associates, Inc./Perkins + Will Size: 106,500 square feet Cost: $14.3 million Photo: Jonathan Hillyer
Connections to the Past Auburn Avenue Research Library, Atlanta One of four archive and research centers in the US devoted to Africana and African-American collections, Auburn Avenue Research Library completed an extensive renovation that repositioned its entire structure, built
in 1994, moving the auditorium, seminar rooms, and galleries to the street-level floor for better community access. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: J.W. Robinson and Associates, Inc./Perkins + Will Size: 106,500 square feet Cost: $14.3 million Photo: Jonathan Hillyer
Connections to the Past Auburn Avenue Research Library, Atlanta One of four archive and research centers in the US devoted to Africana and African-American collections, Auburn Avenue Research Library completed an extensive renovation that repositioned its entire structure, built
in 1994, moving the auditorium, seminar rooms, and galleries to the street-level floor for better community access. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: J.W. Robinson and Associates, Inc./Perkins + Will Size: 106,500 square feet Cost: $14.3 million Photo: Jonathan Hillyer
Connections to the Past Auburn Avenue Research Library, Atlanta One of four archive and research centers in the US devoted to Africana and African-American collections, Auburn Avenue Research Library completed an extensive renovation that repositioned its entire structure, built
in 1994, moving the auditorium, seminar rooms, and galleries to the street-level floor for better community access. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: J.W. Robinson and Associates, Inc./Perkins + Will Size: 106,500 square feet Cost: $14.3 million Photo: Jonathan Hillyer
Connections to the Past Auburn Avenue Research Library, Atlanta One of four archive and research centers in the US devoted to Africana and African-American collections, Auburn Avenue Research Library completed an extensive renovation that repositioned its entire structure, built
in 1994, moving the auditorium, seminar rooms, and galleries to the street-level floor for better community access. Project: Renovation and expansion Architect: J.W. Robinson and Associates, Inc./Perkins + Will Size: 106,500 square feet Cost: $14.3 million Photo: Jonathan Hillyer
Connections to the Past K. O. Lee Aberdeen (S.Dak.) Public Library The new K. O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library is a bright, roomy facility that serves as a center for both learning and creativity, with reading nooks, community rooms, and a demonstration kitchen. Its linear configuration recalls the historic Craftsman and Prairie-style railroad depots located throughout the city. Project: New construction Architect: CO-OP Architecture/MSR Size: 30,921 square feet Cost: $7.7 million Photo: Spencer Sommer
Connections to the Past K. O. Lee Aberdeen (S.Dak.) Public Library The new K. O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library is a bright, roomy facility that serves as a center for both learning and creativity, with reading nooks, community rooms, and a demonstration kitchen. Its linear configuration recalls the historic Craftsman and Prairie-style railroad depots located throughout the city. Project: New construction Architect: CO-OP Architecture/MSR Size: 30,921 square feet Cost: $7.7 million Photo: Spencer Sommer
Connections to the Past K. O. Lee Aberdeen (S.Dak.) Public Library The new K. O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library is a bright, roomy facility that serves as a center for both learning and creativity, with reading nooks, community rooms, and a demonstration kitchen. Its linear configuration recalls the historic Craftsman and Prairie-style railroad depots located throughout the city. Project: New construction Architect: CO-OP Architecture/MSR Size: 30,921 square feet Cost: $7.7 million Photo: Spencer Sommer
Connections to the Past K. O. Lee Aberdeen (S.Dak.) Public Library The new K. O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library is a bright, roomy facility that serves as a center for both learning and creativity, with reading nooks, community rooms, and a demonstration kitchen. Its linear configuration recalls the historic Craftsman and Prairie-style railroad depots located throughout the city. Project: New construction Architect: CO-OP Architecture/MSR Size: 30,921 square feet Cost: $7.7 million Photo: Spencer Sommer
Connections to the Past K. O. Lee Aberdeen (S.Dak.) Public Library The new K. O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library is a bright, roomy facility that serves as a center for both learning and creativity, with reading nooks, community rooms, and a demonstration kitchen. Its linear configuration recalls the historic Craftsman and Prairie-style railroad depots located throughout the city. Project: New construction Architect: CO-OP Architecture/MSR Size: 30,921 square feet Cost: $7.7 million Photo: Spencer Sommer