Designer: designLAB and Austin Architects
Construction Manager: Consigli Construction Co.
Project Type: CM at Risk
Project Cost: $43 million
Gross Square Feet: 152,000 (Existing) + 26,000 (Addition)
Est. Substantial Completion Date: December 2012
This project will both add a new entry space to the existing library, and provide a renovated and updated state-of-the-art collegiate library for UMass Dartmouth.
Designed by noted architect, Paul Rudolph, this building has served the campus well since its construction in 1973. However the entry has always been seen as unwelcoming and progress in state of the art library technologies and services have outpaced the building. Funded in part by a major donation, this project has been undertaken to provide a new, more attractive and welcoming entry that will create a whole new face for the Library. In the library itself, the new information systems typically found in a modern library will be better accommodated in proper settings. Additionally the mechanical and electrical systems in the building were completely replaced by the most recent technological and energy efficient systems.
The project will represent the combined efforts of two architectural firms, both with extensive experience with library design. Begun as two projects, the renovation and addition were combined into a single project under DCAMM's direction.
Project Features:
- A new addition that includes a modern entry and a major social gathering space for the campus
- Complete accessibility, including a revamped site approach to the building
- State-of-the-art computer access to electronically available information
- Significantly upgraded computer networks within the building
- New and substantially more efficient mechanical and electrical systems
- Replacement of all the elevators
- Improved study spaces embracing the idea of collaborative learning
