The original 1923 natural limestone library borders the Wilson College Green’s northern edge. Its 1960’s Annex is a monolithic building framed with a cast in place concrete columns that face the science building and parking along the north edge of campus. In early 2011 infrastructure problems rendered the building uninhabitable. The unfortunate event provided an opportunity to revisit its role for the College.

The Library underwent an extensive analysis of its functions, programs, facilities and anticipated essential instructional goals for the future. The library had to become a new and vibrant designation center with social convergence maximizing interaction and student activity.
Photography: Don Pearse Photographers At the conclusion of our Master Planning, the Wilson College chose to extensively restore the 1923 Library. The Annex was razed to build a new 14,473 gsf Learning Commons that is respectful of the historic Academic Quad. A multipurpose student outdoor plaza with amphitheater seating extends educational and social activities. The library had become the new intellectual core and heart of campus.
Photography: Don Pearse Photographers
Rather than imitating the old stylistically of form, the new structure engages the existing building by establishing a point of view that heightens the awareness of the old. The volume is simple and clean, creating a balance between the historic and contemporary spaces while additional attention was given to t...