Mullins Library Renovation
Client: University of Arkansas
Time Period: 2017 – 2021
Role: Architect of Record
Size: 120,560 SF Renovation
MBL worked with Perry Dean Rogers Partners and the University of Arkansas Library User Groups to transform their marquee on-campus archive, the David W. Mullins Library, from a physical collection repository to a 21st century collaborative learning and research space.
The renovation involved re-programming the third and fourth floors of the Mullins Library, creating a diverse set of presentation spaces, study rooms, lounges, and free seating areas for students and faculty. The parti separated the two floors into distinct zones, with the third floor designated the Quiet Floor and the fourth the Active Floor. The Quiet Floor evokes a formal library setting, with warm and textural materials and separate dedicated faculty and graduate collaboration rooms. The Active Floor, designed primarily for undergraduate activities, has colorful and vibrant finishes, and includes various lounges, ‘hot-seating’ study areas, and instruction rooms.
The programmatic transformation also required substantial improvements to the building’s mechanical, electrical, and data systems. Bringing the original 1960s building into current code compliance was an additional challenge, as was the abatement of hazardous materials during the construction process. Adding further complexity to the process, the lower floors of the building had to remain occupied throughout construction. The design team developed elaborate scheduling and phasing strategies to take advantage of the natural ebb and flow of student population throughout the school year.