Lehman College Leonard Lief Library

Interior Renovations

We performed a complete interior design for the Lehman College Leonard Lief Library to modernize the space with contemporary amenities and reduce operating costs. Lehman College is located on a tree-lined 37-acre campus comprised of an art research facility housed in a 100,000 square foot four-story building.  The Library wished to emphasize openness and flexibility of space, provide a welcoming experience, and improve the layout and workflow to accommodate future programming.

While the Library Director wanted to enhance the space, they also wanted to respect the Library’s 1970s style of architecture.  To counteract the dense heaviness of the raw concrete building style, our team felt strongly that the interior elements should be fluid and luminous to make the experience less barricaded and more inviting.  The building’s orthogonal layout and rugged exposed concrete columns were softened using a network of organic “ribbons” of circulation/reference desks and display shelving that weave throughout the library.  Each “destination” is connected with meandering, organic paths.  The curvilinear circulation and reference desks anchor the large open area while portraying energy and movement.  Durable, low-maintenance finishes such as terrazzo floor tiles, flocked carpet tiles and impact-resistant drywall were specified to accommodate heavy traffic and withstand abuse.

To improve daylight access and enhance visual supervision, we specified low furniture with demountable glass walls around collaboration areas throughout the open areas of the library.  Natural and earthy finish materials such as wood, stone, and leather were selected to provide warmth and texture that balance against the cold, hard, surfaces of concrete and glass. The renovated layout included new circulation/reference desks, group and quiet study rooms, collaboration stations, administration offices, and a digital media wall.  It also houses three new computer laboratories and a technology center with assistive equipment and software for students with special needs.

A new HVAC system was installed, incorporating on-demand control ventilation and digital controls to maximize efficiency and performance, meeting current standards for energy conservation. The outdoor air intake was relocated from the current sidewalk to above the roof to improve indoor air quality.  All existing light fixtures were replaced with LEDs, and incorporated stepped dimming, occupancy, and daylight sensors to conserve energy.  Lighting and ventilation controls were designed to interface with the existing campus Building Management System.  The existing metal slat ceilings were also replaced with suspended acoustical ceiling panels to improve noise reduction coefficients and increase light reflectivity, further reducing energy consumption.