Fordham University, William D. Walsh Family Library

Bronx, New York

Firm

Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott

Client

Fordham University

Area

240,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$43,000,000

Completion Date

05/1997

The 240,000-square-foot, four-level library combines general, special and rare book collections—totaling 1.6 million volumes—with a new 5,000-square-foot Electronic Information Center (EIC). The state-of-the-art EIC gives users high-speed, global information access through the most advanced technology available. It features two multi-media labs; two computer teaching labs; a 110-seat auditorium; and 45 databases on 105 CD-ROM drives. It also features the Regional Educational Technology Center, which provides computer and information technology to local high-school teachers.
The library’s planning and structural grid enhances its flexibility for future space reconfiguration. Technology functions and other collaborative areas are clustered on the ground floor for optimum convenience and accessibility. A skylit, glass-walled atrium provides socializing space, natural light, a sense of orientation and visual access to front-door program elements within the building. To maximize options for group and individual study, the facility has seating for 1,400 students in various configurations, as well as 330 computer stations and 100 laptop connections.

Photographer: ©Jeff Goldberg/Esto Photographics