The new Tecnológico de Monterrey library on the Monterrey campus has received the award for best interior design of an academic library at the Library Interior Design Awards, presented by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Library Association (ALA).
The Tec library project was entered into the Academic Library category (over 30,000 sq. ft), in which the Alfred R. Goldstein Library in Sarasota, Florida, also received an award.
"Libraries are constantly evolving to meet the needs of changing communities and patrons who are looking not only for technological capabilities, but also to be inspired, educated, and even entertained", said IIDA ejective vice president Chereyl S. Durst when explaining the importance of these awards.
"We are proud to partner with ALA to recognize design solutions that support the many uses of libraries today," she added.
A STATE-OF-THE-ART LIBRARY
The Library building has a constructed area of 17,300 m2 on six floors.
The flexibility of its spaces allows for a great variety of environments to improve the learning experience.
Its architectural design, created by Sasaki Associates Inc, GLR Arquitectos, RDLP Arquitectos, and Convirtus, achieves greater interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Its outdoor parasols distribute incoming sunlight; its transparent windows let in light, but not heat, and are fitted with automated smart blinds.
It has a capacity of 2,500 users and boasts an open auditorium. Its services include the Learning Commons area, a place for learning, collaboration and the full exploitation of digital media.
It also has a cafeteria, a terrace and a selection of conference and exhibition spaces, in addition to a collection of different pieces of furniture for personal or collaborative study.
THE NEW LIBRARY IN NUMBERS:
Capacity:
2,500 users
Before: 1,848 users
Auditorium
140 people
Before: 0
Points of access: 4
- 1 entrance off the Library hallway
- 1 entrance through the faculty garden
- 2 entrances from the inside courtyard and classrooms
The new Library meets universal accessibility criteria
Before:
Only entrance off the Library hallway
Book capacity (general archive)
350,000
Before: 250,000
Total constructed surface area
17,300 m2
Before: 11,230 m2
Floors
6
Before: 4
Learning Commons
3,300 m2
Before: 1,500 m2
Outdoor spaces
200
Before: 95