UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MURPHY LIBRARY
La Crosse, Wisconsin
The Murphy Library Addition adds an additional 60,000 square feet of space to an existing 94,000 square foot building. The northward expansion required redefining the library's main entrance, which is realized by a two story entrance lobby which runs east/west and divides the old and new. The lobby becomes the organizing element for the facility and helps to connect the west and east sides of campus.
In the new structure, the entire stack collection and the majority of the study space is on the second floor with the IMC. The first floor houses the circulation, extended hours study, reference, and serials collection. Maps, documents, and compact storage is in the basement. The Student Area Research Center, Student Support Services, and computer labs are on the first floor with direct lobby access in order to accommodate different operating hours.
The exterior of the addition is designed to be compatible with the existing library. Brick and stone is used to match the original in order to give a seamless appearance.
The project was presented the 1996 Excellence in Architectural Design Award by the State of Wisconsin for new construction.
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