Central Ohio Technical College/The Ohio State University—Newark, Warner Library and Student Center

Newark, Ohio

Firm

The Collaborative Inc

Client

Central Ohio Technical College/The Ohio State University—Newark

Area

86,700 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$14,500,000

Completion Date

09/2008

This warm, nurturing building is a home-away-from-home for students. All three building entries converge in the central atrium with the hearth. Open views from here let students connect immediately to the library, lounge and dining areas. These physical connections mimic the building’s philosophy of melding functions. Food and books are allowed to move freely throughout the many spaces. This multitasking facility includes the library, academic support, student dining, various lounges, a bookstore, student affairs and faculty offices.
The Warner Center’s blended approach keeps pace with the changing image of today’s college library. As students are able to do more research online, the library becomes less focused on searching amongst aisles of books and more about finding quiet study space. The warm wood tones and soft seating options, combined with the availability of food and coffee, invite students to linger—and study—longer.
The architect situated the stacks and research areas in the core of the library so that student study areas could be positioned along the outer wall, taking advantage of the abundance of natural light and views.

“The design provides a multi-support environment using warm materials and a wide variety of spaces, creating a truly inviting environment in a student center.”–2009 jury