Old Dominion University, Ludwig Diehn Composers` Room: Add`tn to Diehn Fine & Performing Arts Ctr.

Norfolk, Virginia

Firm

Moseley Architects

Client

Old Dominion University

Area

7,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$1,071,910

Completion Date

01/1998

As a result of a generous private donor, Ludwig Diehn (a local composer who achieved national prominence prior to his death last year), the university has created an intimate, contemplative research facility for music scholars to study the original manuscripts of contemporary Virginia composers. This facility complements activities within the existing Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Center, and consolidates music library/listening facilities from the central library across campus into one location. Exterior materials were chosen to match the existing building’s palette of limestone, brick, clear anodized aluminum and solar gray glass.
The facility includes a secure reading room, archive stacks and a collection-processing area (all humidity controlled); catalog access/search; listening and scores collection area with manuscript display cases; charging desk; listening playback area; librarian’s office and a seminar room.
All visitors pass through a vestibule, illuminated during the day with a skylight, and featuring Ludwig Diehn’s portrait. This vestibule allows staff at the charging desk/workroom hidden behind this portrait wall to visually screen all visitors via concealed dark-bronze view windows, which blend with the color and geometry of the wood paneling.
The reading room is secured via an electronic locking device from the charging desk, and all doors are integrated into the wood paneling system. Data and power are integrated into the wood-floor patterning, located directly below the reading tables, and along the wood base around the room.

Photographer: ©Mark Atkinson/Otto Studios

“Great match of old and new with wonderful detailing.”—1999 jury