Smith College’s Neilson Library was renovated with the goal of improving conditions for its special collections while enhancing the library’s functionality for daily academic and social use. Balancing these targets involved the integration of multiple design strategies.

Achieving these objectives began with the removal of some existing additions to the library, replacing them with transparent glass jewel-box structures. The center of Neilson Library was transformed with a large atrium and oculus skylight, creating dedicated special collections and archival space. Below-grade levels were then repurposed for the storage of print collections as well as academic support areas, a café, and a digital media hub.

The project included also renovations of the adjacent Alumnae Gym; this facility was converted to house new learning spaces, and an internal walkway was added to interconnect with the library.

As the project’s MEP/FP Engineer, Vanderweil was responsible not only for upgrade the building systems in the library and gym—the project also required that campus utilities surrounding the site footprint get reconfigured while mitigating impacts to the operational campus. Sustainability was a key design focal point with the renovated facility achieving LEED Gold and aligning with the College’s target for campus carbon neutrality by 2030.