SUNY Albany Library

PROJECT OVERVIEW: The Science and Technology Library represented the first expansion of the SUNY Albany campus in over 30 years. This significant $26 million facility added 200,000 square feet of modern library space, effectively addressing overcrowded conditions that existed in the previous library facilities. The project focused on creating a large multistory atrium space with a lobby-glazed wall fronting an open garden.  The building is a precast concrete façade, compatible with surrounding architecture.

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES: The building design centers on a large multistory atrium space with a lobby-glazed wall fronting an open garden area. The exterior features a precast concrete façade specifically designed to complement and remain compatible with the surrounding campus architecture.

CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES: he project faced numerous significant challenges during execution. Site logistics proved particularly complex due to organic materials encountered below grade, which prevented standard sheeting installation. Additionally, maintaining operational utilities throughout construction was mandated, particularly a critical high-temperature hot water line running through the site.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS: The team developed a phased plan for foundation installation to overcome subsurface challenges, while neighboring courtyards required temporary bracing during construction. Limited floor-to-floor space necessitated ongoing reconfiguration of architectural and mechanical elements as construction progressed. The comprehensive network infrastructure required innovative "poke-through" solutions to accommodate outlets throughout the entire floor plan.

PROJECT EXECUTION: Despite the numerous technical and logistical challenges, the Science and Technology Library was completed both on schedule and within the planned budget. This successful outcome resulted from effective partnership and teamwork between the architects, engineers, the University at Albany, the State University of New York Construction Fund, and Sweet Associates, Inc.

DEVELOPMENT TEAM:

• Design Architect & Interior Designer:  RGA Architects and Planners, NYC
• Architect & Engineer:  Lockwood Greene Engineers, NYC
• Mechanical Contractor: Albany Specialties Inc., Albany, NY
• HVAC Contractor:  Venditti Brothers, Inc., Schenectady, NY
• Electrical Contractor: LaCorte EMC., Rensselaer, NY
• Architectural Precast Contractor: Modern Mosaic Ltd., Niagara Falls, NY
• Structural Form Work Contractor:  Ceco Concrete Construction Corp., Bloomfield, CT
• General Contractor:  Sweet Assocaites, Inc., Albany, NY
• Developer:  State University of New York Construction Fund, Albany, NY