NET-ZERO IN THE ROCKIES

摘要

THE EXPANSION OF COLORADO COLLEGE'S Tutt Library doubled its size to 94,000 sf, making it likely to be named the nation's largest 24/7 net-zero academic library. The project reinforces the college's commitment to achieving campus-wide carbon neutrality by 2020.Designed in Brutalist style by Chicago architect Walter Netsch (1920-2008), Tutt Library opened in 1961. Aligning the floors of the two new additions with those of the existing concrete structure and accommodating new systems-HVAC, sprinklers, lighting-proved to be the most nettlesome problem for the project team.The west-side expansion added a formal entry plaza and three new entrances to the first floor, plus a Data Viz Lab, flex space, and entry lounge. The east-side renovation opened up the circulation desk and created a technology space with a GIS lab and tech "sandbox." The second-floor expansion created a flexible event space that opens, via a glass NanaWall, onto an outdoor terrace. The library's research center, reimagined as theColket Center for Academic Excellence, retains Netsch's double-height volume and reenergizes the space with color and technology. The eastern addition provides new space for library administration.