This project began as a library expansion project, but evolved into a more encompassing program. The design establishes a new cultural center for the campus and addresses the need for a visual focal point as well. The project entailed 100,000 SF of new construction and 45,000 SF of renovation.
The new center consolidates all the University libraries and creates spaces for the Museum of American Political Life, an art gallery, a conference center, a bookstore and classroom spaces for the School of Communications and the Art School.
The new u-shaped building is arranged with the library at the center. Its wings extend to create links to the music and the art schools, and to define a central campus green space. Each wing has its own unique skylight at its entry.
The building design supports the original campus master plan, which suggests a central green on axis with the campus entrance. The shape of the building encloses the north end of the green with arcades along the perimeter. The entrance to the expanded library is the focal point of the axis. For the project TSKP STUDIO won two awards: a New England/AIA Design Award and a CSA/AIA Design Award.