Columbia Theological Seminary, Campbell Library Renovation, Decatur, Georgia

The goal for the project was to improve the quality of library facilities at the seminary along with general campus improvements designed to preserve and enhance the character of the institution.

This project consisted of renovations to the existing library, a new addition to house special collections and renovations to the campus quadrangle including landscaping and fire truck access. The library project makes two major contributions to the campus. The building envelope strengthens the quadrangle while the new space plan expands the special uses and improves the circulation.

The addition creates a traditional quadrangle which has become the heart of the campus. The library’s existing entrance façade remains in place and the reading room with its beautiful arched windows was preserved and restored. The exterior design incorporates the architecture of neighboring quadrangle buildings to provide a style consistent with the campus yet in a form that portrays its own identity.

The complied project brings the existing space and new addition up to current life safety codes. The special collections area is a secure room with strict temperature and humidity controls for shelving old and rare materials and archives. The room has display cases, sorting areas and areas for studying. The facility provides modern library equipment furnishing, online catalog terminals, conference rooms, offices and support areas, two computer labs, and a children’s library. The 27,760 s.f. addition houses a special theological collection.