NEW LYMAN BEECHER BROOKS LIBRARY AT NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY WAN Education Award 2013
TAPPÉ ASSOCIATES, INC. ARCHITECTURE
•
PLANNING
•
BOSTON
OBJECTIVE: DEVELOP AN ARCHITECTURAL
EXPRESSION
THAT IS A REFLECTION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S
IDENTITY
NSU’s motto, “Achieving with Excellence,” inspired the design. While the unique, sinuous form supports the University’s 21st century aspirations, the red brick facade is in context with the architectural fabric of the 78-yearold institution. (NOTE: Concrete structure immediately in front of new library is the old library and has since been demolished.) A soaring 90-foot-tall glass-enclosed rotunda creates a dramatic 3-story atrium that carries natural light into the library’s inviting interior by day, and acts as a beacon of learning and knowledge for the campus when lit at night. The visible rotunda serves as a point of reference for the campus from I-264 as the public views NSU from above.
OBJECTIVE: PROVIDE A STATE-OF-THE-ART
LIBRARY
THAT OFFERS ENGAGEMENT WITH
INFORMATION
To support variety in service delivery, library zoning is enhanced through furnishings. Where collaboration is desired, tables and carrels are either curved, waved or elliptical shapes, supporting interaction. In areas for individual productivity, rectangular tables with dividers establish “personal space.” Building levels further zone library space, maintaining active collaborative spaces on lower levels and quiet spaces for focused concentration on upper levels.
OBJECTIVE:
INTEGRATE THE NEW LIBRARY INTO
CAMPUS LIFE
Sited at the heart of campus, the library serves to both separate and connect two significant quadrangles of open space. The library becomes a convenient part of a student’s daily circulation through campus. It is both a destination and a vessel.
OBJECTIVE: INCORPORATE ENVIRONMENTALLY
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS FOR
LEED CERTIFICATION
LEED strategies such as maximizing daylight through the whole library and building in electronic sun shades on the windows (pictured at left), as well as using a light-colored rooftop (pictured above) were brought in early during planning and design to seamlessly incorporate resource efficiency into the building program. The submission for LEED certification is still under review, but indications are that the building will most certainly achieve the original goal of SILVER and may, indeed, receive GOLD certification.
OBJECTIVE: DESIGN WITH
FLEXIBILITY
IN MIND AND LOOKING AHEAD TO
FUTURE GROWTH
The library accommodates on-site access to the entire collection. Being mindful of expanding print collections, the library utilizes conventional open shelving as well as compact mobile shelving on every level, allowing for both endless adaptable shelving configurations and complete browsing of a physical library collection. Secure access can be provided in a variety of ways: to the entire library; to just the Internet Café; to Information Commons and the Internet Café; or to the Information Commons, Internet Café, and high-tech collaborative study rooms. This allows the library to effectively change size in response to demand and available staffing.
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8
16”
TRANSVERSE SECTION
PORTMAN
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY NORFOLK, VA