Special Collections Addition

In designing a special collections addition to a university library originally designed by Edward Durell Stone, one primary challenge was to provide a solution that would celebrate the library’s valuable holdings while respecting the original design. Stringent security and environmental requirements posed additional challenges. By introducing a bridge/connector between old and new, these requirements as well as sensitivity to the original architecture were simultaneously addressed. Pulled away from the original building, the addition was consciously designed as an abstracted form, in counterpoint to the original design. By placing the addition at the south-facing rear, a separate, yet highly visible presence for the addition was also established. This project has achieved LEED© Gold certification.