The U.C. Berkeley Moffitt Library Renovation is a compelling story of transformation. Its reinvention as an active place for critical thought was paramount for the University’s 21st century vision of learning in today’s digital era. Visibility and transparency are essential to reinforce the students’ connection to the community, and vice versa, to cultivate collaboration among the students themselves.

The designers transformed two floors of Moffitt Library into a distinctive, tech-friendly, 24-hour center for learning. One is for collaborative, participatory studying comprised of informal open seating areas, small huddle rooms, and larger meeting rooms for teamwork, and the other is a quiet floor for concentration and focus, with study tables, individual pods and carrels. As a modern library in the digital era – a research space without books – the access to knowledge and information is plentiful and the role of the librarian is even more profound.

The new curtain wall created usable area to fortify the student experience – transforming the inaccessible maintenance balcony into usable program space. Each floor offers in-between spaces, so students can discover one that fits their needs of the moment. The nooks and crannies near the curtain wall of floor-to-ceiling glass allow students to feel a connection to the outside and address the need for transparency.

A key aspect to the overall design was the integration of wellness—an important consideration for students with widely variable daily schedules. With the implementation of food friendly policies that included family-style tables and open snacking within the library as well as a designated area for napping, the new Moffitt Library design provides greater support to the individual student. The project also brought a unique challenge as the team implemented new UCOP Policy to install gender inclusive restrooms in addition to offering the traditional restroom experiences.

Photography: Jasper Sanidad