When tasked with transforming an early 1920s Italian Renaissance bank building into a fully functional library for the Rhode Island School of Design, the Building Team for RISD's Fleet Library found itself at odds with the project's two main goals.
On the one hand, the team would have to carefully restore and preserve the historic charm and ornate architectural details of the landmark space, despite the new use.
At the same time, the landmark banking hall would have to accommodate the library program—a collection of 130,000 volumes and 400 periodicals, an amphitheater, circulation desk, viewing rooms, student lounge, and study space for 250 students—without jeopardizing the historic character of the space.
The team resolved the conflict by placing two low-profile and completely removable “islands” in the middle of the barrel-vaulted banking hall. Constructed of fireproofed medium-density fiberboard, the islands more than quadruple the square footage of the hall to 55,000 sf, providing much-needed function space for the library.
The two-level “study island” (32x51 feet) provides a reading room, study carrels, and an amphitheater/seating area where students can hang out or study. The 30x30-foot, single-level “circulation island” incorporates the circulation desk, reference desks, and computer stations. The islands are positioned symmetrically in the long axis of the room and frame an open reading lounge in the center.
Reconstruction Awards honorary chair Walker C. Johnson, FAIA, principal with Johnson Lasky Architects, Chicago, said the use of the circulation and study islands was an “innovative solution” for solving space and seating issues in the existing bank space—thus meriting Fleet Library Special Recognition honors in BD+C's 24th Annual Reconstruction Awards.
Related Stories
| Nov 29, 2011
SB Architects completes Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa in China
Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa is home to the largest natural springs reserve in the region, and measures 950,000 sf.
| Nov 22, 2011
Jones Lang LaSalle completes construction of two new stores in Manhattan
Firm creates new global design standard serving as project manager for Uniglo’s 89,000-sf flagship location and, 64,000-sf store.
| Oct 24, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers receives 2011 Sustainable Design Award from AIA Long Island Chapter
AIA LI also recognized BBS with the 2011 ARCHI Award Commendation for the St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery Welcoming and Information Center in Farmingdale, NY.
| Oct 14, 2011
University of New Mexico Science & Math Learning Center attains LEED for Schools Gold
Van H. Gilbert architects enhances sustainability credentials.
| Oct 12, 2011
Consigli Construction breaks ground for Bigelow Laboratory Center for Ocean Health
Consigli to build third phase of 64-acre Ocean Science and Education Campus, design by WBRC Architects , engineers in association with Perkins + Will
| Sep 30, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers completes welcoming center at St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery
The new structure serves as the cemetery's focal architectural point and center of operations.
| Sep 14, 2011
Lend Lease’s role in 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Lend Lease is honored to be the general contractor for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum project at the World Trade Center site in New York City.
| Sep 12, 2011
Living Buildings: Are AEC Firms up to the Challenge?
Modular Architecture > You’ve done a LEED Gold or two, maybe even a LEED Platinum. But are you and your firm ready to take on the Living Building Challenge? Think twice before you say yes.
| May 25, 2011
Olympic site spurs green building movement in UK
London's environmentally friendly 2012 Olympic venues are fuelling a green building movement in Britain.
