Concordia University, Library Technology Center

St. Paul, Minnesota

Firm

TKDA

Client

Concordia University

Area

40,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$6,400,000

Completion Date

06/2003

Concordia University, a private Lutheran college set on an urban campus in St. Paul, Minn., was interested in designing a library and technology center to support and serve the educational needs of the Concordia community for the next millennium. Responding to the mission of the university, a bible verse is inscribed on the building’s exterior:“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.”—Proverbs 16:16.
The new Library Technology Center provides a link between the existing library and theater. This 40,000-square-foot, three-level building (two floors above ground and a lower level) became an important link in the campuswide, weather-protected pedestrian circulation system. The building, together with a new vehicle turnaround, provides a redesigned campus entrance.
Architectural precast concrete replicates the limestone masonry of the historic campus buildings. Expansive glass areas enclose the building and open the activity of the facility to the campus, particularly at night. Cherry wood interior trim and casework, along with warm colors, provide visual excitement. The interior architecture and furnishings were developed and selected to support technology.