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.
Related Stories
Libraries | Apr 8, 2021
Stanley A. Milner Library Renewal project completes in Edmonton
Teeple Architects designed the project.
Libraries | Mar 25, 2021
The academic library: Unlocking the secret playbook for first generation college students
Academic libraries and librarians have been reinventing themselves to unlock the secret playbook that holds some students back.
Market Data | Feb 24, 2021
2021 won’t be a growth year for construction spending, says latest JLL forecast
Predicts second-half improvement toward normalization next year.
Giants 400 | Dec 16, 2020
Download a PDF of all 2020 Giants 400 Rankings
This 70-page PDF features AEC firm rankings across 51 building sectors, disciplines, and specialty services.
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Cultural Facilities Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. cultural facilities sector
AECOM, Arup, and Populous head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest cultural facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Libraries | Nov 30, 2020
Adjaye Associates reveals design of the Thabo Mbeki Presidential Library
The project is located in Johannesburg.
Libraries | Oct 22, 2020
Envisioning libraries as community hubs
In the following, HGA Vice President and Senior Designer Jane Dedering discusses her passion for libraries, community engagement, and how the current pandemic will influence libraries moving forward.
Libraries | Oct 21, 2020
Hôtel particulier built in 1642 becomes a media library and park
The project is located in Pélissanne.
Libraries | Sep 25, 2020
Major renovation to Providence’s downtown library is completed
The $29 million project adds light and collaborative space to a 67-year-old wing.
Libraries | Sep 22, 2020
Snøhetta wins design for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
The project is located in Medora, N.D.