FW: J.H. White Library Architecture Wins AIA Honor
From: Mantra L Henderson [mailto:mlhenderson@mvsu.edu]
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2014 8:18 AM
To: Sandra Phoenix
Subject: FW: J.H. White Library Architecture Wins AIA Honor
FYI
Mantra Henderson, MLIS
Director of Library Services
James H. White Library
Mississippi Valley State University
14000 Highway 82 W. MVSU 5232
Itta Bena, MS 38941
(office)662-254-3494
(fax) 662-254-3499
From: MVSU News
Sent: Friday, November 07, 2014 2:55 PM
Subject: J.H. White Library Architecture Wins AIA Honor
University News
J.H. White Library Architecture Wins AIA Honor
November 07, 2014
The architectural firm that designed the $13 million renovation of the James H. White Library received a merit award last October congratulating the architects for making structural changes that created a more inviting atmosphere for the students.
"The architects made some very strong strategic moves on the exterior of the building to open it to the campus," the jurors commented in their notes. "The strongest moves were at the corners - bringing natural light into the building. These moves made a bunker into a lantern. This changed the building visually and functionally. The façade was revitalized from a static and heavy symmetry into a vibrant and inviting structure. The selection of new interior materials combined with the daylighting strategies provides an inviting and comfortable gathering space for students and faculty."
The Mississippi chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) presented the award to Duvall Decker Architects, P.A., the Jackson-based firm that worked with Mississippi Valley State to orchestrate the renovation.
"We were successful in marrying the original architecture of the building with the latest methods of construction," said Tommy Verdell, Director of Facilities Management.
While maintaining the building's original design, the architects also sought to address the many concerns about the building raised by students and faculty. In an effort to increase the amount of natural light, they cut holes through the original façade, creating windows that blended in effortlessly with the rest of the structure.
The changes have been met favorably with the campus community.
"We have seen a tremendous increase in our foot traffic and usage of the library," said Library Director Mantra Henderson.
By undertaking the multi-million dollar renovation, the university aimed to make the library more amenable to students, and many of the changes made to the library reflected that goal.
Students wanted to be able to print papers, use the computers, and check out books more easily, for example, so those services were moved to the front of the building. The computer commons, which prior to the renovation was located near the back of the second floor, is now located adjacent to the front lobby. The circulation desk was also moved from the second floor to the first.
Six thousand feet were added to the front entrance, expanding the original 52,000 square foot structure to 58,000 square feet. The computer commons was increased from 16 computer stations to 34. A 42-seat electronic classroom was added, along with a fully functional archive.
The expansion of the front entrance was also meant to provide a more gradual transition from the hustle and bustle of the outside world to the quieter, subtler realm of the library stacks. The brightly lit lobby and computer commons provide a bit of a buffer between these two spaces. Although the library's exterior and foundation were largely maintained during the renovation, the interior was gutted and rebuilt - made anew while staying true to the post-war modernist aesthetic of the building and using some of the same building materials.
"Modernist buildings are making a comeback," Verdell said. Several buildings on campus reflect the modernist style, and the university is working with the Mississippi Heritage Trust to designate architecturally significant buildings.
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Maxine Greenleaf
Director
Mississippi Valley State University
14000 Highway 82 West
Itta Bena, MS 38941
Office: (662) 254-3577
Cell: (662) 299-6459
Email: news@mvsu.edumailto:news@mvsu.edu
Very exciting news! Congratulations to the MS Valley State Univ. team!
Mantra, please share a photo!!
Loretta Parham, CEO & Director
Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library
We will always provide service that exceeds the customer's expectation...Because We Care!
From: hbcu-libadmin-bounces@lists.hbculibraries.org [mailto:hbcu-libadmin-bounces@lists.hbculibraries.org] On Behalf Of Sandra Phoenix
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 8:48 AM
To: 'Hbcu-libadmin@lists.hbculibraries.org'
Cc: 'Hbcu-lib@lists.hbculibraries.org'; Karen Jefferson
Subject: FW: J.H. White Library Architecture Wins AIA Honor
From: Mantra L Henderson [mailto:mlhenderson@mvsu.edu]
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2014 8:18 AM
To: Sandra Phoenix
Subject: FW: J.H. White Library Architecture Wins AIA Honor
FYI
Mantra Henderson, MLIS
Director of Library Services
James H. White Library
Mississippi Valley State University
14000 Highway 82 W. MVSU 5232
Itta Bena, MS 38941
(office)662-254-3494
(fax) 662-254-3499
From: MVSU News
Sent: Friday, November 07, 2014 2:55 PM
Subject: J.H. White Library Architecture Wins AIA Honor
University News
J.H. White Library Architecture Wins AIA Honor
November 07, 2014
The architectural firm that designed the $13 million renovation of the James H. White Library received a merit award last October congratulating the architects for making structural changes that created a more inviting atmosphere for the students.
"The architects made some very strong strategic moves on the exterior of the building to open it to the campus," the jurors commented in their notes. "The strongest moves were at the corners - bringing natural light into the building. These moves made a bunker into a lantern. This changed the building visually and functionally. The façade was revitalized from a static and heavy symmetry into a vibrant and inviting structure. The selection of new interior materials combined with the daylighting strategies provides an inviting and comfortable gathering space for students and faculty."
The Mississippi chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) presented the award to Duvall Decker Architects, P.A., the Jackson-based firm that worked with Mississippi Valley State to orchestrate the renovation.
"We were successful in marrying the original architecture of the building with the latest methods of construction," said Tommy Verdell, Director of Facilities Management.
While maintaining the building's original design, the architects also sought to address the many concerns about the building raised by students and faculty. In an effort to increase the amount of natural light, they cut holes through the original façade, creating windows that blended in effortlessly with the rest of the structure.
The changes have been met favorably with the campus community.
"We have seen a tremendous increase in our foot traffic and usage of the library," said Library Director Mantra Henderson.
By undertaking the multi-million dollar renovation, the university aimed to make the library more amenable to students, and many of the changes made to the library reflected that goal.
Students wanted to be able to print papers, use the computers, and check out books more easily, for example, so those services were moved to the front of the building. The computer commons, which prior to the renovation was located near the back of the second floor, is now located adjacent to the front lobby. The circulation desk was also moved from the second floor to the first.
Six thousand feet were added to the front entrance, expanding the original 52,000 square foot structure to 58,000 square feet. The computer commons was increased from 16 computer stations to 34. A 42-seat electronic classroom was added, along with a fully functional archive.
The expansion of the front entrance was also meant to provide a more gradual transition from the hustle and bustle of the outside world to the quieter, subtler realm of the library stacks. The brightly lit lobby and computer commons provide a bit of a buffer between these two spaces. Although the library's exterior and foundation were largely maintained during the renovation, the interior was gutted and rebuilt - made anew while staying true to the post-war modernist aesthetic of the building and using some of the same building materials.
"Modernist buildings are making a comeback," Verdell said. Several buildings on campus reflect the modernist style, and the university is working with the Mississippi Heritage Trust to designate architecturally significant buildings.
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Maxine Greenleaf
Director
Mississippi Valley State University
14000 Highway 82 West
Itta Bena, MS 38941
Office: (662) 254-3577
Cell: (662) 299-6459
Email: news@mvsu.edumailto:news@mvsu.edu
www.mvsu.eduhttp://www.mvsu.edu
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