Anne Arundel’s Library nearly doubles, turns high-tech and green

Washington, DC (November 2012) — EwingCole, one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering and interior design firms, is pleased to announce the completion of the $17.2 million, Andrew G. Truxal Library expansion and renovation at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, MD. One of the three original buildings from the 1968 campus, the Truxal Library is now nearly doubled in size and completely upgraded technologically.

“As is true of most college libraries, the Truxal Library is the soul of the institution,” said John Chase, EwingCole architect. “The Library plays a critical role in campus life for both students and faculty.  Truxal is now state-of-the-art technologically and energy-efficient, with new areas for private study, collaborative research, and relaxing between classes.”

The expansion added 32,000 sf to the south side of the existing 45,000 sf structure, which is located adjacent to the College’s entrance road. The new two-story glass façade, emphasizing new technologies, is the first image of the library seen by visitors to the campus. According to school officials, positioning the addition on the south side, the last remaining open area on the central campus, reasserts the library as the focus of the academic quad while creating a new iconic image for the College.

Inside, a double-height space contains individual and shared computer work stations and surrounding group study rooms for collaborative learning.  The full-height glass is embedded with a ceramic pattern to control sunlight and reduce glare on the computer screens.

Features of the new library include

  • 134-seat Technology Learning Center
  • 224 computers overall for student and public use
  • 20 enclosed rooms equipped with technology for group study
  • Larger enclosed silent and quiet areas
  • Expanded reference area
  • Two new computer labs for information literacy training
  • 900-sf student study area with comfortable seating, vending area and fireplace
  • Seating for 800 in study carrels, study tables, easy chairs, rocking chairs, tables set up for small collaborative work and laptop bars with stools.

“We have received nothing but continued accolades and praise for the building’s design and functionality from the college’s faculty, staff and students,” said James Taylor, AACC’s Director of Facilities Planning and Construction. “We firmly believe the Library Renovation & Expansion project to be one of our most successful building projects, and EwingCole played a major role in helping the College in this success.”

The project design includes many sustainable features to reach the goal of LEED Silver certification, including a vegetated roof with a landscaped rain garden to contain storm water run-off, an automated lighting system based on occupancy and available natural light, and extensive use of building products and interior finishes made from recycled materials. The project was complete and open for use in time for the beginning of classes in September.

About EwingCole

In practice for over 50 years, EwingCole is an architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning firm of more than 320 professionals. EwingCole is a leader in the design of government, healthcare, academic, cultural, science and technology, sports and entertainment, and workplace facilities.  Based in Philadelphia, the firm has offices in Irvine, CA, New York, NY and Washington DC.  Visit wjldesign.wpengine.com.

 

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