Page 10 - Bernardon Education Portfolio

Saint Aloysius Academy Library

Owner/User: Saint Aloysius Academy

Location: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Design Statement: Saint Aloysius Academy, a private K-8
Catholic school for boys, recognized its 40-year-old library
was inadequate for its current enrollment and curriculum.
The design for a new media center captured a courtyard space
to expand the library adjacent to the split-level academic
building, enabling a 50 percent growth in collections and
amenities.

The 2,100 SF library integrates with existing campus
architecture while providing a home for 21st century Terraced reading levels and short staircases alleviate a
learning. Challenging site constraints and accessibility structural underpinning issue and match the floor heights of
concerns elicited a multi-level design with book terraces the new library with the adjacent academic building. Careful
that define formal and informal settings. A traditional roof profiles maintain adequate daylight in the library while
main reading room is complemented by intimate, kid-sized preserving views in nearby classrooms.
alcoves. The lower-level staircase performs double-duty as a
“story hour” amphitheater for the youngest students. Architect of Record: Lee A. Casaccio, AIA

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