Engaging Passion, Inspiring Discovery
University of Pittsburgh, Hillman Library
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Pittsburgh, PA | 230,000 SF
The University of Pittsburgh’s Hillman Library radically reprogrammed spaces and services to better connect students to digital information and the expertise of librarians. Space that once housed printed information has been opened for people to collaborate and create. The completed multi-year, multi-phased Hillman Library renovation can now better support 21st century students and the campus community through enhanced digital services in a welcoming environment that inspires discovery. LEED Platinum certified, the renovated library’s photovoltaic array produces 169 Mega Watt Hours annually. The green roof and fritted, high-performance glass on the entry volume addition limits solar heat gain exposure by 50%.
The new entry addition brings in plentiful natural light, contributing to the library's LEED Platinum certification.
Programming, library staff space, and curated displays are organized around a new central stair in the atrium to encourage movement, curiosity, and discovery of new passions and skills.
Its design helps establish the library as a forum—where the academic community and the public can come together and share knowledge.
The renovation transforms the library’s physical space to address three primary program enhancements: Creation: in the form of digital resources, including data visualization and making; Discovery: by empowering students to digitally browse special collections and unique research; Discourse and Dissemination: The new library provides spaces (some quiet, some collaborative) for study and interdisciplinary research. Its design helps establish the library as a forum—where the academic community and the public can come together and share knowledge.
In the library it's ok to be a beginner. Hillman's new makerspaces invite exploration and the discovery of new passions and skills.
Strategically rolled out in phases, the reimagined library allows students to easily see and survey offerings so they can follow their passions, unlock hidden talents, and connect with peers. The transformed library includes a writing center, bookbinding lab, and video production suite. The Data Visualization Lab supports students as they combine different computational research threads to find new outcomes.
Many ways to work: The transformed library allows students to explore collections and research and work seamlessly between digital and in-person collaboration.
Students want choices and choices drive use: Hillman offers students different postures and arrangements for focused or collaborative work.
The transformed Hillman Library features a new café, reading areas, and audio/video suites. Individual study rooms and nearly 100 enclosed group study rooms are equipped with modern technology to video conference, present, and exhibit material. An ‘Open Lab’ makerspace provides virtual visualization, 3D printing, and laser cutting. Access to the library’s extensive special collections of artwork, personal papers, manuscripts, and photos is available through interactive displays throughout the space.
Display space allows for the rotating curation of unique items from Hillman Library's special collections.
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The new entry addition brings in light, reveals activity within and invites greater community connection to the library.
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Biophilic elements like daylight views to nature helped Hillman Library secure LEED Platinum certification.
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Library as forum: Beyond books, the library is a place to share new ideas.
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Moveable furniture gives students the flexibility to configure the space to their needs.
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The renovated library gives students direct access to nature.
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The use of natural and reclaimed materials makes Hillman feel warm and inviting.
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