Lawrence D. McEwen Architects - Philadelphia, PA - Architecture, Master Planning, Public Open Spaces

SWARTHMORE COLLEGE McCABE LIBRARY SWARTHMORE, PA COMPLETED 2000 KIRBY MEHRHOF ADMINISTRATIVE ARCHITECT
This is a major renovation of the main floor of Swarthmore College's primary library, involving modifications to existing stone walls and millwork; major revisions to lighting; the selection of finishes, and the specification of new furniture incorporating modern library technology throughout the floor. The goal was to find a strong, accommodating order for the program elements while building upon the building's inherent material qualities. The project included the redesign of the Entry Lobby to enhance one's sense of arrival and to visually connect the lobby with the circulation area and Central Court; new up-lighting in the Center Court to enhance the inherent beauty of the existing stone and wood paneled walls and ceiling; the creation of a new Current Periodicals Lounge in an area that was previously a dark and poorly used sunken reading lounge; and the reorganization of the Electronic Reference and Reference Collection to allow more natural light to penetrate to the interior of the building. The Center Court has been reconceived as a campus meeting place and a reading room of collegiate stature while the new Current Periodicals Lounge also has a small coffee bar, which will help the library to transition from a building which houses books to a social and information center.