Campus Architecture Database: Library and Learning Resource Center

Rio Hondo College, Whittier, Calif.

Building Type: Library

Construction Type: New

Cost: $29.4-million

Square Footage: 94,000

Architect: AC Martin Partners Inc.

Contractor: Bernards

Opened: 2009

Meant to blend with existing campus buildings, this building has a high-profile entrance on axis with the lower quad. A two-story atrium at the entry connects to a future bridge to parking. The building accommodates traditional library functions—book storage, reading areas, and computer stations, along with offices and work spaces. In addition, it houses reading and writing labs, group-study rooms, and classrooms. A grand stair leads to open stacks and reading areas on the second floor, which is organized by a curving path lit from above with clerestory windows. The path leads to the circulation and reference desks and terminates in a large glass-enclosed reading room.

(Photos: Art Gray)

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