Design Profile: Library and Learning Commons at Community College of Philadelphia

Located in the historic third U.S. Mint Building and the Bonnel Building addition, the Community College of Philadelphia’s library had endured decades of ad hoc renovations that resulted in circuitous circulation, a dearth of daylight, and limited access to the beautiful historic spaces of the Mint Building. The renovation peels back the layers to take advantage of the strong architectural bones of the building. The book stacks, which were scattered across the two buildings and often blocked windows and natural light, are condensed and centralized to open up the grand spaces for more appropriate use.

The long, double-height reading room is a modern interpretation of the main grand hall, with a new wood ceiling giving it identity and cohesion. Spaces are layered to include smaller huddle and group study rooms adjacent to the exterior courtyard, which has been redesigned as an outdoor student space. The new library also integrates services, creating a one-stop shop for academic support. This demonstrates to students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, that asking for help is an essential component of the higher education experience.   

Project: Library and Learning Commons 

Location: Spring Garden, Philadelphia  

Client: Community College of Philadelphia  

Project Size: 64,000 square feet 

Project team:  

HDR (Architecture) 

Kelly Maiello Architects (Associate Architect) 

Brinjac Engineering / Windward (MEP Engineering) 

Hunt Engineering Company (Structural Engineering) 

Metropolitan Acoustics (Acoustical Consulting) 

Sextant Group / NV5 (Audio Visual Consulting) 

PHOTOS: DAN SCHWALM