Carnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN

Carnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Interior PhotographyCarnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Interior Photography, Table, LightingCarnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Interior Photography, Table, ChairCarnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Interior Photography, Windows, BeamCarnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - More Images+ 15

  • Architects: GBBN
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1507
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2017
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Ed Massery
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Buzzispace, Covering Chile, Haworth, Milliken, Plyboo, TechLighting
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Carnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Interior Photography, Windows, Beam
© Ed Massery

Text description provided by the architects. Three prefabricated bamboo elements are at the heart of this renovation. Designed by GBBN and fabricated locally by two Carnegie Mellon School of Architecture alums, these striking millwork pieces bring warmth to a concrete Brutalist building and help turn it into a place for active learning. 

Carnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Interior Photography, Chair, Beam
© Ed Massery

Near the entrance, “arbors” bring down the scale of the space and provide collaborative zones that feel sheltered within an active, social area.A “portal” in the middle separates the active space near the entry and circulation desk from quiet and focused work zones toward the back. The portal also offers students a range of alternative seating on and around its platform. A multi-media collaborative “den” at the back of the library lets larger groups work without disrupting others.

Carnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Image 17 of 20
Plan
Carnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Image 18 of 20
Section

Additionally, prefabricated glass and metal modular work rooms were added to the space. They keep students visually connected to the rest of the library but provide acoustic privacy for group projects.

Carnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Interior Photography, Stairs, Beam, Column
© Ed Massery

All four elements were fabricated off-site and installed in just two weeks during a campus break. To accommodate these changes, a large amount of little-used books were moved off-site while 12,000 of the most frequently requested titles remain.

Carnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN - Interior Photography, Table
© Ed Massery

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Project location

Address:Pittsburgh, PA, United States

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About this office
Cite: "Carnegie Mellon University Sorrells Library Renovation / GBBN" 29 May 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/918099/carnegie-mellon-university-sorrells-library-renovation-gbbn> ISSN 0719-8884

© Ed Massery

卡耐基梅隆大学索尔雷斯图书馆改建 / GBBN

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