Libraries

With deep experience in library planning and design across institutional scales, VMDO has established itself as a leader in creating inspired library designs that enhance the student experience.

Today’s academic library is undergoing a transformation in how it responds to the multifaceted needs and expectations of various user groups. With the waning reliance on physical resources and the parallel advances in technological innovation, the library of tomorrow must devote a far greater share of its space to users seeking comfortable, flexible environments that can host a range of scholarly and social activities.

At VMDO, we understand that libraries serve a pivotal role in the educational landscape and must keep apace of changes – technical, social, educational, and research-driven in scope. Our approach begins by focusing on the user experience and prioritizing design strategies that embrace innovations in learning and teaching. We pair careful attention to an institution’s academic goals with a commitment to crafting finely-tuned and dynamic architecture that is expressive of the spirit of a campus.

Today’s academic library is undergoing a transformation in how it responds to the multifaceted needs and expectations of various user groups. With the waning reliance on physical resources and the parallel advances in technological innovation, the library of tomorrow must devote a far greater share of its space to users seeking comfortable, flexible environments that can host a range of scholarly and social activities.

At VMDO, we understand that libraries serve a pivotal role in the educational landscape and must keep apace of changes – technical, social, educational, and research-driven in scope. Our approach begins by focusing on the user experience and prioritizing design strategies that embrace innovations in learning and teaching. We pair careful attention to an institution’s academic goals with a commitment to crafting finely-tuned and dynamic architecture that is expressive of the spirit of a campus.

Recent Work

Liberty University Library + Academic Commons

Liberty University Library + Academic Commons

Pulling from three surrounding student housing precincts, the library is a communal living room for students…

View Project
Sweet Briar Cochran Library Renovation + Addition

Sweet Briar Cochran Library Renovation + Addition

VMDO’s addition to Cram’s library aims to respect the architect’s vision for the building by strategically…

View Project
Young Harris College Rollins Campus Center + Miller Library

Young Harris College Rollins Campus Center + Miller Library

The 3.5-story glass, brick, and stone building creates a new hub of bustling activity, uniting social…

View Project

Recent Blog Posts

Advancing America's Libraries Podcast: Libraries in the Age of Social Distancing

Advancing America's Libraries Podcast: Libraries in the Age of Social Distancing

Keeping public spaces functional and clean has never been more important. In this episode of Advancing America's Libraries Podcast, Library Consultant…

View Post
Advancing America's Libraries Podcast: Academic Libraries and COVID-19

Advancing America's Libraries Podcast: Academic Libraries and COVID-19

College and university libraries are devising strategies to re-open this fall. In this episode of Advancing America's Libraries Podcast, VMDO's Jim Kovach…

View Post
21st Century Academic Libraries – Balancing Content and Space

21st Century Academic Libraries – Balancing Content and Space

As evidenced by the University of Mary Washington's expansion of Simpson Library, academic libraries are applying an innovative approach to knowledge creation,…

View Post

Resources

We're using cookies to deliver you the best user experience. Learn More