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BookBot is just one of many state-of-the-art design
considerations at the Hunt Library. The $115-million
library, designed by Norwegian architecture frm
Snøhetta, features media-production rooms, a
visualization lab with a 270-degree digital display,
a 3-D printer, and 150 group study rooms (up from
12 at the main campus library), many of which ofer
videoconferencing.
“One of our main design intents was to create a space
where collaboration was very easy, where people
could gather formally or informally—a place that
would become part of the working lives of students,”
said David Hiscoe, Director of Communication
Strategy, External Relations, for the university.
Students aren’t the only ones who fnd the library
essential to the learning experience.
“To date, we’ve had almost 25,000 people show up
for tours since we opened,” said Hiscoe. “It’s almost
like a medieval cathedral—the experience of being
there was moving. I think we’ve been able to create
a building that’s sort of a modern equivalent of that.”
From architecture to furniture to the latest
technology, the Hunt Library inspires a broad
range of visitors—from children mesmerized by
the bookBot to administrators from the New York
Public Library interested in replicating the Hunt
design team’s approach to programming the space.
A brightly colored central
staircase serves as a visual
landmark.
The library ofers a variety of
settings, including enclosed
group spaces, casual areas
where small groups can
share work, and quiet spots
where students can relax
and check email.
Most of the books in the
Hunt Library are stored
in high-density, automated
shelving and can be
retrieved by one of four
robots in the bookBot
system.
Students frequent the
library because it ofers all
of the resources they need
to work and study, including
seamless connection to
power and data.
Areas where students can
socialize and have fun—as
well as learn—help realize
the university’s mission to
be a place where students
want to be.
Learning Space Profle