Project File: Connecting campuses

As the largest building on the Webster University campus, in Webster Groves, Mo., the $14 million library will serve as a vital physical and technological link between the St. Louis headquarters and its campuses worldwide.

The 71,500-square-foot library will be at the center of the campus. It will take shape through blending of exterior brick, glass, slate and granite. Its main entry on the second floor will sit at the top of steps leading from a plaza and merge the indoors and outdoors with another flight of steps that will descend to the first floor.

The new library will feature a glass curtainwall that wraps around the building. During the day the curtainwall will provide a significant amount of natural light. At night, it will create a radiant landmark through specially designed interior lighting. Other features include a 24-hour cyber cafe and a fourth-floor outdoor terrace for special events.

Since the mid-1990s the university has doubled the number of campus locations it serves around the world to 97. The layout of the project is designed to accommodate the technological needs of these campuses. Miles of wiring will serve the needs of more than 750 laptop computer data connections. A lecture/conference hall will seat more than 100 people for seminars, presentations, author readings and receptions.

Architect for the project is Paric Corporation (St. Louis).