Sustainable New Library Opens at Temple University

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 The building replaces the existing 1960s facility, an outdated building that no longer met the needs of a modern and growing student population.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

  • College of the Mainland Starts Construction on New Library & Learning Center

    College of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Library & Learning Center, according to a news release. The new facility is part of a larger, $250-million campus expansion project funded by a 2023 bond program.

  • Gretna East High School

    Gretna East High School

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Gretna East High School has been recognized with an EDS 2025 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • Schools In Focus: Talking Campus Security with Mitch McKinley

    Furnishing the Future: Adaptive Solutions for Modern Learning Spaces

    On this episode of Schools in Focus, we'll talk about the role that classroom furniture plays in creating adaptive, flexible learning spaces. Our guest is Wesley Edmonds, the Director of Workplace, Adaptive Solutions at OFS.

  • Greenheck Receives Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

    Air movement, control, conditioning, and distribution equipment solutions provider Greenheck recently announced that it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract, according to a news release. The HVAC Systems contract will allow Greenheck the opportunity to expand opportunities in government procurement and other public agencies in North America.

Digital Edition