Libraries
Bradenton, Florida
State College of Florida
62,000 GSF
Williamson Design Associates, in association with McMillan Pazdan Smith, provided the design for the State College of Florida’s new two-story library. The 21st century Library & Learning Center is situated at the center of the Bradenton campus, adjacent to the Neel Performing Arts Center. The Library & Learning Center is now a “Third Place” for college students to collaborate and study with their peers.
The new facility provides the opportunity for students to utilize various technologies and allows for the flexibility of new technology adaptations. The main library contains a Knowledge Commons comprising maker spaces, a Visualization Classroom, a Creativity Room, a Student Hub, seminar rooms, and various size group study rooms. The Knowledge Commons has access floors and allows the library to have flexibility in changing the power and data locations based on the technology needs and spatial layout.
The exterior of the building has generous picture windows on the north to take advantage of the natural light. A walkup canopy leading to the entrance forms a courtyard with the Neel Performing Arts Center and is utilized for pre-function events. A balcony overlooks the courtyard from the Student Hub, connecting students to nature and the outdoors. Inside, the lobby incorporates an atrium with tiered seating – often used as a gathering space to accommodate lectures and other events such as performances by the College’s Music students, who appreciate the acoustics. The first floor contains a café area and multi-purpose rooms accessible to the community for events.