The new Hunt Library at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, incorporates advanced building features, including a five-story robotic bookBot automatic retrieval system that holds 2 million volumes in reduced space. The technology shaved 200,000 square feet off the overall size of the 221,000-sf building, which also includes a large-scale visualization lab (the "Game Lab") that supports NCSU's Digital Games Research Center. Additional technologies include a 3D printing workship and extensive digital media production facilities, plus sophisticated videoconferencing and telepresence infrastructure. A submarine simulator, developed in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, supports ROTC students.
The LEED Silver design incorporates rain gardens and green roofs, as well as active chilled beams and radiant panels for heating and cooling. The contemporary façade combines fritted glass and a fixed aluminum shading system.
In addition to design architect Snøhetta, the Building Team included Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee (executive architect, LEED administrator); Affiliated Engineers Inc. (MEP, FP); Stewart Engineering (SE); Arup (structural consultant); ColeJenest & Stone (CE); and Skanska (CM).
(http://www.archdaily.com/354701/hunt-library-snohetta/)
Related Stories
| Aug 4, 2014
Retail Giants: Grocery-anchored centers, trophy malls among hot retail developments [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Despite the rapid growth of online shopping, the 'bricks and mortar' retail sector is faring quite well, headed by power centers, grocery-anchored centers, and trophy malls, according BD+C's 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 4, 2014
BIM Giants: Firms enhance BIM/VDC with advanced collaboration tools [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Cloud-based data sharing, rapid iterative design, and cross-discipline collaboration are among the emerging trends in the BIM/VDC field, according to BD+C's 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 4, 2014
7 habits of highly effective digital enterprises
Transforming your firm into a “digital business” is particularly challenging because digital touches every function while also demanding the rapid development of new skills and investments. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Aug 4, 2014
What AEC executives can do to position their firms for success
Most AEC leadership teams are fastidious about tracking their hit rate–the number of proposals submitted minus the number of proposals won. Here are three alternatives for increasing that percentage. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Aug 1, 2014
Best in healthcare design: AIA selects eight projects for National Healthcare Design Awards
Projects showcase the best of healthcare building design and health design-oriented research.
| Aug 1, 2014
Recession recovery spotty among American cities: WalletHub report
Texas metros show great momentum, but a number of Arizona and California cities are still struggling to recover.
| Jul 30, 2014
Higher ed officials grapple with knotty problems, but construction moves ahead [2014 Giants 300 Report]
University stakeholders face complicated cap-ex stressors, from chronic to impending. Creative approaches to financing, design, and delivery are top-of-mind, according to BD+C's 2014 Giants 300 Report.
Sponsored | | Jul 30, 2014
How one small architecture firm improved cash flow using ArchiOffice
Foreman Seeley Fountain Architecture not only managed to survive the Great Recession, it has positioned itself to thrive in the economy’s recovery.
| Jul 30, 2014
German students design rooftop solar panels that double as housing
Students at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences designed a solar panel that can double as living space for the Solar Decathlon Europe.
| Jul 30, 2014
Restaurants, farmers' markets high on urban dwellers' wish list: Sasaki report
Urban dwellers love food-related resources, public spaces, and historic structures—but really hate traffic, lack of parking, and poor public transportation.