Springfield Museum of Art (Library)

What was once a dull and rarely used coat closet at the Springfield Museum of Art is now a vibrant and bustling library used by museum staff, patrons, and students of the adjoining Infusion Campus.  The space is fully enclosed within the building and previously had no access to natural light. Interior windows dramatically brighten the space by borrowing sunlight that pours into adjacent rooms.  Not only do these windows help illuminate the library, they also increase the visual connections with other rooms allowing the library to be incorporated into the rest of the museum, rather than a secluded anomaly.  The airiness of the room is further strengthened by a tall tray ceiling that replaced a low and intrusive drop ceiling.  Despite being packed with books, the library maintains a spacious and fresh feeling with its tall ceilings, bright lighting, and visual openness.