Stantec designed the Shapiro Library Study and Renovation for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

As technology impacts the operation and design of libraries, the traditional layout of bookshelf labyrinths must be modified to adapt to changing trends. The University of Michigan reimagined their traditional library to create a more student-focused and collaborative study space.

Stantec’s design team worked with a planning committee of library staff, administrators, faculty, and facilities staff to develop a comprehensive plan to transform the third floor, which will serve as a prototype for future work on other floors.

The renovation of the third floor of the Harold T. and Vivian B. Shapiro Library enabled the library team to develop, evolve, and refine their services more quickly. It also connects to the adjacent Hatcher Library and links the
buildings together, allowing faculty and researchers to be more visible and collaborative. This floor is a hub of activities that joins diverse users into a shared experience and moving through the services zones with natural transitions between buildings.

To compliment the architectural elements of the space, the design has a sophisticated material palette with soft textures, simple forms, and clean lines to create a comfortable and tranquil environment. The simplicity in the modern aesthetic achieves a fresh collegiate space, welcoming students and faculty to take a breath from the chaos of the day. A variety of layered textures and flexible furniture capitalize on the connection to nature through the views out of the third floor, providing a biophilic sensibility.

Now fully renovated, the third floor of the Shapiro Library is home to a digital scholarship pilot space with staff work and consultation areas, student collaboration and study space accommodating varying groups and modes, and an activate path between elevators and elevated walkway to the adjacent library building. It also features a display space for exhibiting faculty and student projects as well as pop-up space for temporary events and exhibits.

Shapiro Library provides a social, collaborative, focused, and tech-enabled space that offers services and resources for enhanced usability, access, and navigation. This thoughtful renovation allows the university to better meet the needs of a 21st century learning, teaching, and research environment.

Design: Stantec
Photography: Jason Keen