Project Description
A typological and evolutionary leap in library design, the Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library transforms a subterranean science library surrounding a sunken courtyard within a seldom-used science plaza into a vibrant, active and inviting window to the integrative sciences. A highly transparent pavilion with a cafe and comfortable lounge space emerges from the courtyard, creating a sense of place in the plaza above and newly landscaped courtyard below while allowing views, daylight, and direct access to the library below. Once a traditional depository for books, this newly transformed library significantly reduced its book inventory in favor of communal learning spaces, various group and individual study areas, maker space, and state-of-the-art digital media labs, resulting in a community-building, interactive, multi-disciplinary learning and research environment.