The Commons at Helm Library is the complete renovation and transformation of the three-story Margie Helm Library at Western Kentucky University. The unique program considers the evolution of the library in current academia and rethinks the relationship between social and intellectual spaces in a larger campus ecosystem.
Originally constructed in 1934 as a gymnasium and re-purposed in 1964 as a library, this latest transformation will repurpose currently underutilized reference, reading, and stacks space into a vital and active student learning center. A variety of social and academic spaces along with active learning classrooms will be provided to encourage collaboration and interaction, making the Commons a new academic student center for the campus. Seven food venues including a coffee shop have been included to draw students, staff, and faculty to the Commons.
Designed in collaboration with Gensler, Luckett and Farley acted as the Architect of Record and provided architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, structural engineering, civil site engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering services.