Georgia State University Library Transformation

OWNER

Georgia State University

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Construction Cost
$15 million

Completion Date
2007

Project Size
11,000 SF

Georgia State University Library Transformation

Atlanta
Georgia

Located in the heart of GSU’s Downtown Atlanta campus, the university desired to update, unite and expand its two existing library buildings into a unified central destination. The existing pedestrian bridge was expanded — both vertically and horizontally — and converted into the new heart of the library, the Learning Commons.

The Learning Commons seats 150 students and is a 4-story glass-enclosed structure that spans over Decatur Street in downtown Atlanta. The structural system supports massive loads on a longspan structure and was designed to minimize construction activity over Decatur Street to maintain vehicular traffic at all times. Incredibly tight site access presented challenges that were in large part overcome by large, prefabricated sections of the structure that could be easily and quickly set in place. Supporting columns were threaded through existing buildings and were strategically positioned to avoid existing foundations and existing utilities.

The project was developed by the design team using REVIT software, which was instrumental in coordinating complexities and existing conditions. Use of this program resulted in AIA awarding this project a Building Information Management (BIM) award. Careful design and detailing, along with coordination using BIM, resulted in a highly efficient and constructible project.