University of Florida, Library West Addition/Renovation

Gainesville, Florida

Firm

Long & Associates Engineers/Architects

Client

University of Florida

Area

177,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$24,200,000

Completion Date

05/2006

Submitted for U.S. Green Building Council LEED gold certification, this project reinvented an aging facility, meeting contemporary library needs in technology, user functionality, collections storage and access, staff operations, student services and security. The library houses 1.6 million volumes and provides 1,600 seats in comfortable settings for private study and group interaction. A balanced palette of materials and textures defines spaces and promotes movement.
Functional elements are organized clearly around a highly textural circulation system. The design creates inviting and stimulating interiors to promote the development and sharing of ideas. Custom furniture completed the concept of a cyber cafe in response to the student social culture. The existing building was transformed into an open-plan layout that maximizes daylight and views for users and staff.
The “book box” addition is dedicated to collection storage; reading spaces line the perimeter. Compact mobile shelving maximizes storage. The addition completes the public urban edge of the historic campus and fulfills the administration’s wish to create a landmark while reflecting the scale, texture and character of the campus Gothic buildings flanking the site.