Contributing to the built environment in the category of Excellence in Architecture, the outdated and overcrowded campus library has been improved with the goals of housing growing book collection, improving student access to technology, educating students on green buildings and a sustainable future, and uniting the campus.
Located in the centre of the campus, the library is tucked between stucco-clad, flat roofed buildings. The improvement project has used high-pressure laminate and rainscreen façade to provide the library a technologically advanced aesthetic.
The taper of the building is in response to its smaller student users, and also effectively blocks the unattractive view of an adjacent building’s blank rear wall, while maintaining a continuous sense of connection with the landscaped plaza outside.
Fostering an environment of high academic standards and supporting the District’s vision of shaping students to be lifelong learners, the interior of the library features full-height glass, which brings natural light deep into the expanded space.
Apart from that it features a natural wood screen, which helps to define spaces for different activities and provides boundaries without compromising supervision. Previously dark existing instructional spaces have been relocated to the expanded corners filled with natural light.
The renovated existing space now houses stacks for the 18,000-volume collection and a new technology lab for up to 36 students.
The library has received LEED Gold certification.
