Snøhetta design creates groundbreaking high-tech library for NCSU

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/)

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Fire-rated glass floor system study area. Photo: courtesy TGP

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