Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Sustainable New Library Opens at Temple University

  • 09/25/19

PHILADELPHIA, PA – A project more than 10 years in the making, the new $135-million Charles Library at Temple University is now open to students. The 220,000 square foot building anticipates over 5 million annual visitors. The building replaces the existing 1960s facility, an outdated building that no longer met the needs of a modern and growing student population.

The building’s base is covered in granite and appears different in color depending on the time of day, creating an evocative mood. Glass is strategically positioned at the three entrances to allow in the natural light and foster a sense of transparency. Visitors are immediately greeted by the expansive three-story atrium lobby that offers views of every floor and corner of the building. Light fills the space from an oculus on the uppermost floor, shining down the cedar-clad dome. A steel main staircase is situated near the information desk.

Temple University Library

As part of a $1.2 billion capital improvement program for its Main Campus in North Philadelphia, Temple University commissioned Stantec, as part of a joint venture with Snøhetta, to design the new library. As part of its role as co-designer, Stantec’s responsibilities include architectural documentation, sustainability, project management, and MEP/FP engineering services.

As sustainability lead and LEED consultant, Stantec also designed the building’s green roof, the second largest in the city of Philadelphia. The roof is integrated into the building’s stormwater management system, which is designed to capture rainwater from the campus and manage all rainwater runoff, keeping it from burdening Philadelphia’s aging infrastructure. The building is targeting LEED Gold certification.

Featured

  • Houston-Area High School Breaks Ground on 117,000SF Multi-Use Facility

    North Shore Senior High School, part of Galena Park ISD in Houston, Texas, recently broke ground on a new multi-use facility for student extracurriculars, according to a news release. The North Shore Multi-Use Facility will include dedicated practice and training space for the school’s athletics and fine arts programs.

  • Round Rock ISD Completes New Early College High School

    Round Rock ISD near Austin, Texas, recently announced that construction is complete on a new, 46,500-square-foot campus for Early College High School, according to a news release. The new facility will allow the school’s students and staff to move from portables into a permanent building and increase its enrollment to 500.

  • Full Sail University Announces First Student Housing Facility

    Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., recently announced that development has begun on its first student housing community, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Nvision Development for construction and long-term management of the facility, which will stand five stories and have the capacity for more than 570 beds.

  • Wisconsin District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The School District of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis., recently broke ground on a new elementary school that will consolidate the students and staff of two existing schools, according to local news. Funding for the school comes from a $53-million referendum approved in 2024.