The focus of the master plan has been transformation of Hesburgh Library to create strong connections between people and knowledge, linking scholars, services and resources and inspiring research and learning well into the 21st century. Located at the heart of the Notre Dame campus the Hesburgh library is a massive fourteen story structure from the 1960's which includes two podium floors, basement and eleven tower floors. The sheer size and depth of the podium floors, 86,000 GSF each, equivalent to a football field, with minimal inter-floor connections inhibits and limits the quality of use, way finding and sense of place. In addition to programmatic, staff, building and future needs analysis the master plan set out to improve  conditions beyond simple upgrades to interior finishes and furniture.

 

Critical to successfully transforming the library is the re-introduction of scale, natural light and a sense of place as organizing elements. The master plan proposes creating new neighborhoods by introducing multi-leveled 'light wells' flooded with natural light from above as a way of creating a sense of identity and destination. Connectivity is fulfilled by internal, open stairs between podium floors  shortening distances and improving interaction between staff and users. Reconfiguration of spaces will provide a rich mix of environments for collaborative and quiet work, define zones for student study and advanced research, and create destinations for Hesburgh’s signature services and resources. 

2013 / University of Notre Dame / Renovation 405,000 sf / 50-60 Million USD  

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Shepley Bulfinch