PROJECT Beneficial-Hodson Library & Learning Commons
ARCHITECT Schwartz/Silver Architects
LOCATION  Frederick, Maryland US

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  1/4/2021
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Angela Ward Hyatt AIA, Mark Schatz AIA, Robert Silver FAIA, Chelsea DeCrescenzo Gozzi NCIDQ, Isaac Andrade
OWNER/CLIENT Hood College
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Gilbane Building Company
PHOTOGRAPHER  Paul Burk
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
CIVIL ENGINEER Kimley-Horn
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Silman
MECHANICAL ENGINEER WSP
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER WSP
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
Although the Beneficial-Hodson Library was only thirty years old, its design was based on the outdated notion of libraries as book storage facilities, rather than places for students to actively engage with information through multiple tools and formats. Collections took up the majority of the building’s footprint, and spaces for collaboration and technology were practically nonexistent. Staff service locations were static, bulky, and did not support the library’s evolving needs.

The renovation transformed the library into a Learning Commons model, creating engaging environments for collaboration, evolving technology, instruction, and academic support. It moved the College’s centralized server room from prime real estate on the first floor to a smaller and less visible location, opening up space for a new café, casual study, and collaboration. The project also relocated and centralized the College’s special collections and archives, as well as reconfigured the arrangement of staff work spaces to support deeper engagement with faculty and students.

The primary challenge was twofold: to adhere to the College's strict budget of $120/SF, and to devise a design strategy that is respectful of tradition while bringing fresh energy and vitality to the building. Interior furnishings and finishes were carefully chosen to work with elements of original building that were to be maintained. A materials palette was developed around the College's colors of blue and gray, with pops of yellow and gold to add vibrancy and freshness.

Initially conceptualized as an interior renovation, the project scope was expanded to include new expanses of curtainwall glass that maximize views and access to natural light, rebranding the Neo-Georgian library as a new, welcoming hub for the campus community.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

We wanted to recognize this project for optimizing resources to create a transformative project. The design team was able to go beyond the interior renovation brief and identify opportunities to spend funds on exterior improvements that fill the interior spaces with light. The project exemplifies how building trust with the owner to redefine the project can lead to better buildings.

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. South Study | Paul Burk Photography
2. South Elevation | Paul Burk Photography
3. The first floor was reorganized as an open, light-filled information commons | Paul Burk Photography
4. New expanses of curtainwall were introduced into the existing Neo-Georgian | Paul Burk Photography
5. A laylight ceiling was introduced in the lobby to bring a sense of daylight deep into the space | Paul Burk Photography
6. A new light-filled cafe features sweeping views of campus | Paul Burk Photography
7. The second floor was reorganized to provide a variety of formal and informal study spaces | Paul Burk Photography
8. The second floor seminar room was expanded to accommodate the College's Board of Trustees | Paul Burk Photography