In the fall of 2021, The Pennsylvania State University – Scranton selected Chiang | O’Brien Architects to implement the Library and Nursing Classroom Building renovation and addition from design to construction. The building and the project are divided into two floors, each with two distinct programmatic elements: a library on the main floor and a nursing program on the lower floor. A significant design component of the project is the upper north and lower south entrance additions connected by a vertical circulation corridor, a public lobby and atrium at the library entrance, and a rooftop penthouse.
The goal for the Penn State—Scranton library was to create an innovative and collaborative “center for knowledge” that would attract it’s students. The library includes a new main entrance with a fully glazed wall between it and the new main lobby corridor, transparent collaboration rooms, exhibit and display areas, flexible programmatic zones, and new furniture and lighting.
Owner: The Pennsylvania State University, Scranton
Location: Scranton, PA
Design Award Year: 2024-’25
Award Category: Institutional
Project Type: Renovation & Addition
Award Level: Honor
AIA SNY COTE Medal: Gold
Project Link: PSU Scranton | Library Nursing Building
The circulation desk/service point is directly ahead and visible from the entry and the main entry door to the Literacy Lab. This entry sequence creates clarity of wayfinding for first-time visitors and students who may be unfamiliar with the space. A computer/printer/scanning zone is between the circulation desk and the entrance, just beyond the display area. Furniture layout schemes provide many options for seating, studying, gathering, and enjoying the library space. Staff offices and a library workroom are located along the south wall. Two librarian offices next to the workroom are visible and directly accessed from the service/circulation space, and the tech services librarian office connects to the workroom directly.
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