James Branch Cabell Library
Virginia Commonwealth University

  • The James Branch Cabell Library, located at Virginia Commonwealth University, is a large glass building with a grassy field in the background.
  • A large open space with people sitting at desks inside the James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University.
  • Students at Virginia Commonwealth University walking down a spiral staircase in James Branch Cabell Library.
  • An open office with people working at desks located at James Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Commonwealth University.
  • Two pictures of people sitting in chairs in James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University with a view of a church.
  • The James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University features an office space adorned with a spiral staircase and desks.
  • A group of people working in James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University.
  • The lobby of James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University, with large windows.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia

The Cabell Library addition and renovation exemplifies the potential to transform a mid-century library into a state-of-the-art facility that enlivens an entire campus. Prior to the addition and renovation, the library faced a dire need for spaces for individual and group study, collaboration, and social interaction. Now completed, the project nearly doubles previous seating capacity and introduces a range of environments for independent and collaborative work. In addition to its range of flexible study spaces, the new library includes an event space, a café, and “the workshop,” which features robust facilities for digital content creation, 3D fabrication, and large display technologies used for gaming and visualization.

The facility earned LEED Silver certification in 2017.

Awards + Recognition

  • Excellence in Academic Libraries Award, Association of College and Research Libraries, 2018
  • IES Illumination Awards, Illuminating Engineering Society Boston & Rhode Island, 2017
  • Best Higher Education Project, Engineering News-Record, 2016
  • Architectural Portfolio—Renovation/Modernization category, American School & University, 2016
  • New Landmark Library Award, Library Journal, 2016
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Construction Administration
Sustainability