Building of the Day: Knowledge Center, Columbia University

The Teaching and Learning Center is a classroom facility shared by the School of Nursing, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mailman School of Public Health, and School of Dental and Oral Surgery. In order to create new space, the renovation of an area previously occupied by library stacks was required. Consolidation of the library collection into high density mobile shelving located on the lowest level of the facility was undertaken to make room for new classrooms and study areas. These new stacks are connected to the reading room on the floor above, and to the circulation desk on the floor above that, via a new glass-enclosed triangular stainless steel stair. The project provided a total of 15 new classrooms, six of which are divisible with movable partitions. The design of the large classrooms facilitates a highly interactive and collaborative computer-based curricular model accommodating distance learning and computerized testing.

Following the completion of the Teaching and Learning Center, M|G began working on upgrades to the school’s Health Sciences Library (HSL) to create the Knowledge Center. The HSL is the primary library for faculty, students and staff for professional schools. CUMC asked for a state-of-the-art space with 24-hour availability to increase student/faculty access and accommodate a variety of new space types including: collaboration rooms, computer terminals, high counter seating, table seating, lounge space and training rooms. The renovation increased library administrative space and allows for an increase in potential total occupants.

Architect: Mitchell | Giurgola Architects