Temple University Charles Library 

LERA was the structural engineer for this new 225,000-sf, visually and spatially diverse library, which has revitalized Temple University’s North Philadelphia campus. The block-long building features a 3-story domed-atrium with clear spans of up to 100 ft, a large front arch that cantilevers off of the building, green roofs and an outdoor balcony offering cross-campus views.

 

The entire structure of the building was designed to support the weight of the building-wide green roof. The structural system includes long-span structural steel trusses and steel framing.

 

The library offers quiet study and reading spaces, large meeting rooms, areas for special events and technology-related activities (such as data visualization and 3D printing) and a state-of-the-art automated book storage and retrieval system that stores nearly 2 million volumes in bins stacked three stories high, opening up program space for other functions in the core of the library.

Location

Philadelphia, PA 

 

Owner 

Temple University  

 

Architect

Snøhetta/Stantec JV

 

Awards 

Diamond Award – Structural Systems, 2021

American Council of Engineering Companies New York (ACEC NY)

 

Winner – New Building, 2020

National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards (EiSE)

 

Winner – New Building, 2020

Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY) Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards (EiSE)

 

Award of Excellence, 2020

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Education Facility Design Awards

 

Library Interior Design Award, 2020

American Library Association/ International Interior

Design Association (IIDA)