Central Michigan University, Park Library and Information Services Center

The 40-year-old library was crowded and lacked efficiency and modern resources. The plan included the removal of the existing skin and dissecting a large hole within the rectangular building to create an open, central atrium. A new sculpted masonry exterior unfolds to reveal a blue glass curtainwall. An abundance of sunlight penetrates the building, and the interior boasts an array of vivid color.
The Library and Information Services Center (LISC) contains client/server technology supported by ATM infrastructure that integrates multimedia information into group and individual learning settings. The facility accommodates 1.3 million volumes, 90 percent of which is in 33 miles of electronically operated, compact shelving—one of the largest installations in North America.
The Clarke Historical Library, situated within the LISC, is a large archival facility containing one of the finest children’s collections in the United States. It is a secure temperature-, humidity-, dust-, mold- and gas-controlled 20,000-square-foot facility containing rare collections of documents, books, photographs and paintings.
Additional amenities include specialized instructional areas, multimedia labs and classrooms; an auditorium (a 145-seat high-tech, multimedia facility); the Baber Room, an art exhibit/reception complex; and a cafe.

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