SWBR Architects, in association with Leo A. Daly Architects, developed a program and design for the library at Roberts Wesleyan College. The library is a focal point, providing a strong, central presence within the campus and acts as a highly visible landmark from anywhere on campus. The B. Thomas Golisano Library, dedicated in the fall of 2007, has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The $13M building is the first Silver-certified building on any college campus in Upstate New York and the first library in the state to achieve the Silver certification.Program requirements reinforced the idea of the library as a campus center. A cyber caf?n the main floor was designed to support gathering and studying into the late hours. The fa?e of the caf?as designed to be very transparent, acting as a lantern at night and revealing the activity within. The main library space is located above the caf?pace. The library program called for book space, program areas, administration space and offices for related departments such as information technology. At the top floor of the library, commanding a view of the whole campus, is a space dedicated to the history of the college. Also at this level is a large conference room that can be used for meetings or special events. Transparency is used again at a monumental stair and the surrounding smaller meeting and study spaces. The stair provides another visual element on the fa?e and is a gesture to the connection between ascent and learning.
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