Cornell University created a new home for one of the nation’s most distinguished fine arts libraries. Since 2012, with the completion of Milstein Hall, the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) has planned for a new location and expanded program for Cornell’s fine arts collection.
Marking the northern gateway to campus, Rand Hall was transformed to house the Mui Ho Fine Arts Library, a state-of-the-art facility. Its top two floors include massed stacks of books as its centerpiece, digital resources, and voluminous reading and study space. Three dense stack levels provide shelving for approximately 125,000 volumes, leaving generous spaces for group and individual study on the main level. Along with 8,000 square feet of shop space for AAP occupying the first floor, the 107-year-old industrial building was entirely rehabilitated.
Project Highlights
• Features include reading carrels with built-in monitors and lockable book storage, public computing stations, and a seminar room
• Mezzanine shelving galleries are open-ended, providing elevated views of the campus
• The building will realize significant energy savings with upgrades including rigid foam insulation, installing double-glazed windows all around, and replacing all mechanical systems with a projected target of cutting 70% of Rand Hall’s existing energy use
• A 1,500 SF roof pavilion was outfitted with base plates for temporary structures as well as power, water, and digital connections
