James B. Hunt Jr. Library, North Carolina State University.
The library seen from Lake Raleigh.

James B. Hunt Jr. Library, North Carolina State University.
The library seen from Lake Raleigh.

Reading lounge, first floor.

Upper entrance to the first floor level, from the Oval.

First floor reading room.

The stair leading from the ground floor entrance to first floor level.

Stair from ground to first floor, seen from above.

The book storage with the automatic retrieval system. A long step away from the traditional bookshelf...
Photo: Mark Herboth

From the open study area outside the Creativity Studio, second floor. The screens on the wall advertise events going on in the library, or just show cool stuff.

Teaching and Visualisation Lab, second floor.

The yellow stair does more than just connect one floor to the next.

The multitude of furniture was selected by the library. Here from the hall on first floor entrance level, where the carpet pattern reflects the rain garden outside.

The students' work is the focus in all aspects of the design.

Lower entrance at ground floor level, vehicle access and bus stop.

The facade pattern is made up of aluminiums ribs. Some of them control sun and views, some have an aesthetic function.

The terrace outside the skyline reading room on the fourth floor, with a view of Lake Raleigh.

Site plan, The Oval, Centennial Campus.

Hunt Library is located at the end of the Oval. The building is directed towards the view of Lake Raleigh, a clear departure from the Neo-classical ambitions of much of the other campus architecture.

Ground floor plan.

First floor plan.

Second floor plan.

Third floor plan.

Fourth floor plan.



Libraries are dynamic and continually changing. This library balances well-understood pre-existing needs with the emerging needs of the present and future. Main library functions include collections, learning commons, group study rooms, graduate commons, creativity labs, and a quiet reading room. The building also integrates complementary functions not specifically related to library use. These include a political think tank as well as facilities for academic offices and an auditorium.

The use of an automated book delivery system (ABDS) for the two million volume collection was a cost and space saver as well as an innovative way to maximize user space. Generous open spaces connect all floors of the library and open stairs emphasize an interactive and social environment alongside more focused study areas. The building has been designed to LEED Silver requirements.


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