James B. Hunt Jr. Library, NCSU Building

James B. Hunt Jr. Library Raleigh, NCSU Building, North Carolina architecture, USA

James B. Hunt Jr. Library

North Carolina State University Building design by Snøhetta Architects

Jan 3, 2014

This American building by the celebrated Norwegian architects is one of our picks from
Buildings of 2013 : Architecture of the Year
e-architect’s selection of key architectural developments posted on the site in the last year

Jul 24, 2013

James B. Hunt Jr. Library Building

Design: Snøhetta

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

James B. Hunt Jr. Library at North Carolina State University wins AIA/ALA Library Building Award

Hunt Library North Carolina
photograph : Jeff Goldberg/Esto

In July 2013, the new James B. Hunt Jr. Library at North Carolina State University, designed by Snøhetta in collaboration with local architect Clark Nexsen (formerly PBC+L), received the 2013 Library Building Award from the American Institute of Architects and the American Library Association in recognition of design excellence.

Hunt Library North Carolina
photograph : Jeff Goldberg/Esto

For the design of the new building, Snøhetta and Clark Nexsen worked closely with the NCSU Libraries to set a new benchmark for technologically sophisticated collaborative learning spaces. It serves both as NC State’s second main library and the intellectual and social heart of the university’s Centennial Campus.

Hunt Library North Carolina
photograph : Jeff Goldberg/Esto

The Hunt Library also houses the Institute for Emerging Issues, a think tank led by former North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt, academic offices, visualization and digital media labs and an auditorium. It is designed to be a decisive competitive edge for the university by democratizing access to the technologies driving our economy.

Hunt Library North Carolina
photograph : Jeff Goldberg/Esto

Libraries are dynamic and continually changing. While clearly a contemporary structure within a traditional context, the Hunt Library provides a forward-thinking platform for influencing its surroundings. Both technical and programmatic innovations are celebrated as part of the learning experience and provide a versatile and stimulating environment for the user.

James B. Hunt Jr. Library Building North Carolina
photograph : Jeff Goldberg/Esto

Generous open spaces connect all floors of the library and open stairs emphasize an interactive and social environment alongside more focused study areas. A wide variety of study and learning environments and technology-focused experimental labs go beyond the now ubiquitous model of the learning commons. “Disruptive” learning spaces with colorful, dynamic furnishings exist adjacent to more traditional study rooms. The building’s design recognizes the power of chance encounters and celebrates the role physical space plays in the intellectual stimulation of its users.

Hunt Library North Carolina
photograph : Jeff Goldberg/Esto

Technology zones are integrated throughout the Library as well. Interactive digital surfaces and high definition video display screens deliver both programmed and live-feed information. The Game Lab serves as a testing lab for the video game design and development program, and provides students with a fun study break area. The Tech Showcase allows users to experiment with new technology and borrow the latest electronic devices. Staff areas are consolidated on one floor rather than dispersed in clusters on each floor.

James B. Hunt Jr. Library Building James B. Hunt Jr. Library Building James B. Hunt Jr. Library Building James B. Hunt Jr. Library Building
photographs : Jeff Goldberg/Esto

The Hunt Library also employs the use of the bookBot, an automated book delivery system, for the Library’s two million volume collection. This highly effective cost and space saving measure reduced the building area by 200,000 GSF, allowing more of the University’s budget and library space to be allocated towards technology and collaborative learning spaces.

Raleigh North Carolina building design by Snøhetta James B. Hunt Jr. Library Building James B. Hunt Jr. Library Building James B. Hunt Jr. Library Building
photographs : Jeff Goldberg/Esto

The LEED Silver building provides abundant natural light, outdoor work spaces and expansive views of the nearby lake. Many sustainable design features are integrated into the building including fritted glass and a fixed external aluminum shading system helps diminish heat gain while maximizing views and ambient natural light. Ceiling mounted active chilled beams and radiant panels provide heating and cooling while rain gardens and green roofs manage storm water.

North Carolina State University design by Snøhetta Architects North Carolina State University Building by Snøhetta Architects North Carolina State University building design by Snøhetta architects
photographs : Jeff Goldberg/Esto

Nature of Language by José Parlá

Each of Snøhetta’s buildings incorporates a piece of art made specifically for that project. The newest addition to the James B. Hunt Jr. Library is the recently completed mural, Nature of Language, by Brooklyn-based artist, José Parlá.

Title: Nature of Language, 2013, 12 x 12 feet acrylic, ink and gamvar on wood, © José Parlá, Artist Rights Society New York;
Nature of Language James B. Hunt Jr. Library Nature of Language James B. Hunt Jr. Library Nature of Language James B. Hunt Jr. Library Nature of Language James B. Hunt Jr. Library Nature of Language James B. Hunt Jr. Library
photographs : Jose Parla

Nature of Language is an abstract landscape of words, phrases, names, and poetic thoughts. Although illegible at first, the work becomes readable through feeling.
In an era where technology is the driving force of communication, art reminds us of our roots and calligraphy pays homage to nature and the history of languages.

James B. Hunt Jr. Library North Carolina State University – Building Information

Design Architect: Snøhetta
Executive Architect: Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee
Programming: DEGW
Cost: Davis Langdon
LEED Administration: Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee
Structural Engineer: Stewart Engineering
Structural Consultant: Arup
Civil: Cole Jenest Stone
PME & FP: Affiliated Engineers Inc
Landscape: Snohetta, Susan Hatchell Landscape Architecture PLLC
A/V IT/ Acoustics: The Sextant Group Inc
Lighting: Pivotal
Automated Book Delivery System: Dematic
Furniture: NCSU Libraries, Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee with Another Inside Job
Construction Manager: Skanska

James B. Hunt Jr. Library images / information from Snøhetta

James B. Hunt Jr. Library design : Snøhetta

Hunt Library – Apr 4, 2013

Location: 1070 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States of America

American Library Buildings

Library Buildings

North Carolina Architecture

North Carolina Architecture

North Carolina Museum of Art Building
Thomas Phifer and Partners
North Carolina Museum of Art Building
picture © Scott Frances. Courtesy NCMA
North Carolina Museum of Art Building

Raleigh-Durham International Airport Terminal 2 Building
Fentress Architects
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
picture Nick Merrick © Hedrich Blessing
Raleigh-Durham International Airport Building

North Carolina Biotechnology Building

Library Building Designs

Smithsonian Museum – Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard
Foster & Partners
Smithsonian Institute interior
photo : Nigel Young / Foster + Partners
Smithsonian Institute

Library Architecture

Snøhetta architects

Comments / photos for the James B. Hunt Jr. LibraryRaleigh Building design by Snøhetta Architects page welcome.