Legacies in Architecture

Drury College F.W. Olin Library

Designed by Gaskin Hill Norcross for project owner Drury College, this new library structure was completed in 1992. Nestled in the heart of the Drury campus, the library reflects the architectural style of the existing buildings while the interior effectively blends the traditional library with the electronic infrastructure of a "library without walls." This essential electronic component is unobtrusive within the building while readily accessible throughout. All interior furnishings, millwork and fixtures were selected or designed to follow the theme set by the exterior, with emphasis on creating a warm, intimate library feeling.

Why is this project your legacy? Building this library on the site of the original campus library was problematic because of the role that the previous building held in defining the campus architectural tradition. By carefully addressing the issues of scale and detailing, the new library fits well with adjacent buildings. The integration of campus vocabulary and the literal use of several key facade elements from the original building allow respectful recognition of campus heritage with an expression of new identity.