Building a Legacy

The Power and Permanency of Geisel Library

When the UC Regents decided in the late 1950s to expand the university system to a location in San Diego, they asked renowned architect William Pereira to help identify a suitable site. That site turned out to be a picturesque wooded area near the Torrey Pines coast. The original master plan called for three clusters of colleges linked by roadways to the existing Scripps Institute of Oceanography. A library as compelling as a “Mayan pyramid” would complete the plan and Pereira would become the master architect for this cutting-edge research library.

Not only was this a bold statement of an educational institution embracing California’s bright future, but the striking brutalist design of the eight-story building with its concrete pillars and hovering glass floors made this structure an instant San Diego landmark. It was an opportunity, Pereira said, “to reach beyond the library’s practical capacity as a functional building. It must be able to convey to future generations the idea of the power and permanency of the knowledge contained inside.”

TAKING SHAPE

The $4 million, 176,000-square-foot research library first opened in 1970. It was called the Central University Library due to its location on campus and featured an open stack concept, seminar rooms and study carrels for 1,250 patrons.

As the needs of library users evolved over the years, the university modernized the building to accommodate changes in teaching, research, scholarship and community. Thanks to substantial donor support and campus funding, the Library administration undertook major renovations starting with the two-level underground expansion, designed by Gunnar Birkerts, in 1992.

Three years after the completion of the underground addition, the building was renamed Geisel Library to honor the late Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel and his widow Audrey S. Geisel in recognition of a $20 million gift from Audrey. Two decades later, Mrs. Geisel donated $3 million to ensure that Geisel Library remains as inspiring on the inside as it is iconic on the outside. The gift launched the Geisel Library Revitalization Initiative (GLRI), an effort to transform the most heavily used areas of the building to meet the changing academic needs of the campus community brought about by growth and technological advances.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Over the last few years, the GLRI has forged ahead in multiple phases beginning with the construction and grand opening of Audrey’s Café in spring 2016. This was followed by the renovation of Geisel’s 8th (top) Floor, which reopened to patrons in the fall marking the completion of Phase 2. Now, the next and most expansive chapter of the Initiative, Phase 3.1, is ramping up as the administration and staff begin planning for the top-to-bottom redesign of the 2nd (main) Floor — the most active learning space in the building. At its core, these transformations both affirm and further the Library’s role as a campus hub for 21st-century learning.

Geisel Revitalized

On October 1, more than a year after the 8th Floor closed for construction, the popular silent study floor officially reopened to the campus community with a festive celebration.

When students entered the space, they were greeted by modern interior design with stylish bookshelves and an assortment of comfortable study options, including ergonomicallyfriendly study pods and functional lounge chairs.

The Library Student Advisory Council — appointed students who work with Library staff to provide the best possible environment for the student community by sharing ideas and offering feedback on Library policies, services and spaces — was instrumental in helping select the layout and furniture.

The theme of “wonder” permeated the celebration and led guests through a series of activities that started with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by University Librarian Erik Mitchell, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Elizabeth Simmons and Associated Students President Kiara Gomez. Students then flooded the 9,000-squarefoot floor to get their hands on free snacks and earbuds. They also enjoyed relaxing chair massages, an interactive photo booth and hands-on activities like sharing their academic goals on a colorful sticky note collage that blanketed the south facing wall.

“The renovations are impressive. The natural light and views are amazing in comparison to the rest of the Library,” said senior Daron Woods. “While I enjoy active study spaces like those on the 2nd Floor, I often find myself in need of a totally quiet corner during crunch time. So I foresee myself making frequent use of the individual study stations on 8.”

While the role of the Library has gradually evolved over the last half-century, one thing remains the same: it is a sanctuary of academia, a place of discovery, a source of inspiration and a centerpiece for community.