Academic Facilities & Libraries

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Learning in every space

The intellectual life of academic facilities depends as much on the formal learning areas as it does on the dynamic, vibrant matrix of informal spaces¡ªopportunities for chance encounters and productive discussions. In these, we design spaces for student, faculty, and staff interaction, creating a sense of place that is critical to fostering a strong learning community.

The academic library has always symbolized the intellectual heart of a campus. Its setting articulates the values, aspirations, and mission of the institution. To students, the library is a vital resource¡ªand an important factor in their decision to enroll, but a library must do more than store books to remain relevant in an information- and technology-driven world.

Our designs respond to students¡¯ desires for academic and library spaces that are more socially focused, are more than just an information portal, and can anticipate how they learn, use information, and thrive in an academic community.

Ideas

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Inclusive student housing: The needs, numbers, and nuances

Blog Post

Master planning in an age of turbulent change

Published Article

Research + Benchmarking Issue 03 | Planting Seeds

Publication

Research + Benchmarking Issue 02 | Connected

Publication

What will the future campus look like?

Blog Post

Highlighting the hidden: Integrating operational infrastructure into the community

Blog Post

Design Quarterly Issue 13 | After the Reset

Publication

Research + Benchmarking Issue 01 | How Buildings Shape Us

Publication

Bright places and gathering spaces: 5 tips to design a modern industrial learning center

Blog Post

Research and benchmarking: Revisiting a 21st century library a decade after design

Blog Post

From the Design Quarterly: 3 strategies to design academic research facilities to last

Blog Post

How do our library and learning commons designs stack up?

Video

From the Design Quarterly: Creating the right collisions for higher education

Blog Post

From the Design Quarterly: Bringing an urban campus together for the better

Blog Post

From the Design Quarterly: Old idea, new form¡ªmakerspaces make it big

Blog Post

Libraries & Learning Commons, Part 4

Video

Libraries & Learning Commons, Part 3

Video

Why your office needs a makerspace¡ªit¡¯s about investing in the creative workplace

Blog Post

Libraries & Learning Commons, Part 2

Video

Libraries & Learning Commons, Part 1

Video

How can we design adaptable buildings?

Blog Post
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Featured News

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How do our library and learning commons designs stack up?

Our Research + Benchmarking team studies the evolution of both academic and public libraries to understand opportunities for transitioning, providing social interaction, and keeping spaces relevant.

Incubating campus cool

How does a university continue to support students when class is over? Modern libraries foster academic fellowship that crosses all disciplines and has the resources, support, and the ability to help guide students. Read More

Revisiting a 21st century library a decade after design

Our Research + Benchmarking team examines the major changes in academic library design over the past two decades. Read More

Recent Projects

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American University ¨C East Campus Development

Washington, District of Columbia

Bucknell University - Academic East

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Camosun College - Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health and Wellness

Victoria, British Columbia

Centennial College - Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation

Toronto, Ontario

Architect: MJMA / Â鶹´«Ã½

Cleveland Institute of Art - The George Gund Building

Cleveland, Ohio

Grand Valley State University - Performing Arts Addition

Allendale, Michigan

Kettering University ¨C New Learning Commons

Flint, Michigan

North Park University - Johnson Center for Science and Community Life

Chicago, Illinois

Metropolitan State University of Denver Hotel & Hospitality Learning Center

Denver, Colorado

Oakland University - South Foundation Hall Renovation and Addition

Rochester, Michigan

Selkirk College Student Commons

Nelson, British Columbia

Temple University ¨C Charles Library

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Architect: Â鶹´«Ã½/Snohetta Joint Venture

Tarleton State University ¨C Engineering Building

Stephenville, Texas

Thompson Rivers University - Old Main Revitalization

Kamloops, British Columbia

Tufts University - Cummings Building

Medford, Massachusetts

University of British Columbia - Okanagan University Centre

Kelowna, British Columbia

University of Notre Dame - Walsh Family Hall of Architecture

Chicago, Illinois

University of the Fraser Valley - Canada Education Park Phase II

Chilliwack, British Columbia

West Chester University - The Sciences and Engineering Center & The Commons

West Chester, Pennsylvania
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Services

  • Architecture & Interior Design

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  • Research + Benchmarking

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  • Buildings Engineering

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  • Landscape Architecture

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  • Program & Construction Management

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Architecture & Interior Design We create spaces that are engaging and uplifting, that contribute to our collective sense of health and well-being, and encourage the sustainable stewardship of our communities.
Research + Benchmarking Expertise is not static. Through our Research + Benchmarking program, we connect team members across sectors, geographies, and disciplines to continually learn and improve.
Buildings Engineering With decades of innovation and experience under our belts we¡¯re engineering a promising future leveraging the best in building systems, technology, energy analysis, and sustainable performance.
Landscape Architecture Whether it's an urban park, a restored wetland, an athletic complex, or a waterfront destination--through analysis, planning, and design, we create inspired landscapes that reflect context and user needs.
Program & Construction Management We know from experience that delivering a complex project without surprises doesn¡¯t mean there won¡¯t be challenges, but our creative approach to planning and controls can head off most problems.

We¡¯re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You¡¯re exactly what¡¯s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.