A $30 million renovation of the University of Denver’s Penrose library was an opportunity to integrate the unique architectural style of Penrose library and its site with the consolidation and transformation of the library into the “academic center” of the campus now called the Academic Commons. “The renovation changes the building’s functionality from book-storage space to technology-rich people space,” said DU chancellor Robert Coombe.

The library has always been a powerful symbol of knowledge, and this transformation - inside and out - was critical to attracting students and creating a social and intellectual hub of activity – a place of community and learning for both students and faculty. The new Academic Commons (library) is now “the place to be” as a study and work space for the 21st century learner. It is technology rich with quiet reflective spaces, social learning spaces, group project design spaces, small-group learning rooms, lively gathering spaces in a different kind of academic café as well as workshops rooms for librarians as teachers and interpreters of information content.

The facility’s redesign has created a rich and dynamic learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. The building addition on the south serves to both reintegrate the building’s façade to the campus’ collegiate gothic roots while also serving as the new porch and entry. The addition boasts a swooping limestone roof line that culminates at the building’s fireplace chimney in the southwestern corner signaling this renewed center for interaction and learning. The two upper floors were opened to daylight with open space dedicated to student reading areas, gatherings, and learning commons. The collections were moved to the lower level of the remodeled building, allowing a new central atrium to illuminate the heart of the library around a central knowledge commons. Taking advantage of softer, northern light, this central space is home to a glass classroom-lab space on the upper level. The four neighborhoods - technology, social and student life, academic support, and library and collections support - surround a central commons in the light well. Each neighborhood provides study space, service points, and group gathering rooms. They are arranged to celebrate the past (special collections and rare books), the present (academic support including the writing program and student life) and the future (technology help services). Operational efficiencies have improved through streamlining and enhancing collections management.

This digital revolution and revitalization process to a friendly, tech-savvy space included many shifts in focus from paper to people:

• Seating and study space on all 3 levels – study suites for group study and presentations, open and flexible study areas near key services, flexible and efficient furniture for group and laptop use.
• “Back room” processes moved from prime main floor real estate to lower level
• Centralized, efficient collection storage on moveable compact shelving in lower level provides greater efficiencies in collection management, while still allowing users to browse the collections.
• Low-use collections, special collections and archives are stored in compact shelving with paper-preservation conditions.
• A new library café with fireplace overlooks a west-facing patio for lively interactions and gatherings as well as a visual connection to the Driscoll Student Center