Stanford’s renovated library wing syncs with the region’s tech industry

The $7.7 million renovation of the first-floor East Wing of Stanford University’s Green Library reflects the library’s educational focus on technology.

CAW Architects designed the renovation of the 30,390-sf wing, which was completed in six months last December and reopened on January 3, 2022 as Hohbach Hall. The library stacks in the wing were converted into collaboration and study spaces, as well as presentation rooms and offices, thus transforming the nearly 50-year-old building into an exhibit space and learning hub.

An “oscillating” ceiling

According to Stanford, patrons engage this space in numerous ways.

The library’s gallery—which showcases the Silicon Valley Archives’ collection of the region’s pioneering technology—remains the wing’s centerpiece. Along the central corridor is a promenade of exhibition cases with a walnut ceiling overhead that now mimics the sine wave, a nod to the audio oscillator that was developed in this region. Cost-saving customized elements include a wood slat ceiling product that CAW finessed to create this pattern.

The reverse of the pattern is evident in the wing’s customized carpeting to insinuate silence.

A presentation space at the center of the hall can be outfitted for events and seminars. That space also includes group and individual study desks, several of which look out onto the campus’s Red Fountain and green areas.

The project’s Building Team included Rinne Peterson Structural Engineers, Hilhouse Construction, the furniture consultant RMA Studio, and furniture vendor KBM-Hogue. The renovation was made possible by the Harold and Marilyn Hohbach Foundation.