Designed by Walter Netsch in 1962 and expanded in the 1980’s, the original Tutt Library bore all the hallmarks of the then dominant contemporary academic architectural style: brutalist and introverted. The expansion and renovation turned Netsch’s building inside-out, transforming the library into a dynamic facility, accommodating both the requirements of contemporary library practice and the college’s unique academic program, The Block—an intensive academic schedule in which a single subject is studied for 3 1/2 weeks, covering the equivalent of an entire semester’s material. The design also adhered to the college’s commitment to carbon neutrality, anticipated by 2020, making it the nation’s largest (94,000 sf) carbon neutral, net-zero 24/7 academic library. Many of the design decisions, such as glazing quantity and placement, were determined by this commitment, requiring continual consultation with the MEP engineers to remain in compliance.
Upon completion of the renovations and additions, Tutt South, the 1980’s addition, which expanded south into adjacent Armstrong Quad, was demolished, returning the quad to its original plan and strengthening its importance and integrity. This transformative project completely alters the library’s relationship to the campus, adding new entries, a sheltered courtyard, and three new exterior spaces. Careful massing and strategically placed windows afford expansive views to Pikes Peak
The relationship of the expansion and existing building is expressed graphically through the device of a ”ribbon,” realized in red Swiss Pearl cladding that references the geologic formations of the nearby Garden of the Gods. The ribbon engages the addition at the ground level of the library’s west façade and proceeds up and over the existing Tutt Library, to create a dynamic dialogue between the old and the new. It culminates in the added 4th level reading area, which offers sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the Colorado range.
Library services and resources are now augmented with academic programs and instructional spaces—including an experimental classroom, doubled seating capacity, and new spaces and services supporting digital scholarship, including a GIS Lab, Tech Sandbox, Data Visualization suite and a large indoor/outdoor event space. Alongside library research assistance, the Colket Center for Academic Excellence includes the Quantitative Reasoning Center, Writing Center, and First Year Experience Program. Instructional spaces on the first three levels “flex” into open seating and the expansion hosts a café with expansive views and an outdoor terrace.
Garden terraces on the western addition’s 2nd, 3rd and the new 4th floors break down the original building’s mass and reinforce the indoor/outdoor nature of the space and its physical connection to Pike’s Peak and the Rocky Mountains, while providing usable outdoor areas. In fact, all the public areas in the library are located on the west elevation to reinforce this connection and take advantage of the views.
Increased space, access, light, a variety of seating configurations and technological innovations have transformed and reinvigorated Tutt, establishing it as the intellectual heart of the campus and the community. The project was awarded Building Design & Construction’s 2018 Gold Reconstruction Award and a 2017 Innovation Award from the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NABUCO).
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