University of Pennsylvania,
Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center
Philadelphia, PA

Bryn Mawr College, Rockefeller Hall

The Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University–School of Forest Resources

University of Pennsylvania, Stellar-Chance Laboratories

University of the Sciences–Athletic/Recreation Center

 


In order to better accommodate evolving library technologies and expanded services to the campus community, phased renovations to the University’s main library were undertaken to reorganize 400,000 SF of space on seven floors. Phase I focused on the Wharton Graduate School’s Lippincott Library while in Phase II public service areas on the ground, first, and second floors were renovated.  Phases III and IV continued the renovation program to other floors, allowing the library to remain in continuous operation throughout construction.

The cold public areas of the library, a 1970's era brutalist building, were transformed into a warm and welcoming experience that creates a rich and studious atmosphere appropriate to the institution that it serves.  Custom oak furnishings and trim, carpet, softly textured acoustic ceilings, revised lighting including custom up lighting fixtures, and a grand communicating stairways between the ground, first and second floors all serve to dramatically change the existing spaces. 

An earlier project at the library converted underutilized upper level stacks into the Eugene Ormandy Archives and Listening Center, which houses the definitive collection of the Maestro’s recordings and memorabilia.