Ferris State University Library
Big Rapids, Mich.
Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects LLC

This high-tech library becomes the new heart of the campus

© Justin Maconochie/ Hedrich Blessing

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Ferris State University, Library for Information, Technology, and Education (FLITE) is a 185,000-square-foot, high-tech facility that combines a traditional print library and state-of-the-art digital information library with a technological learning center. As the new central focus of the campus, it acts as a social and intellectual commons, a cultural space for the university and the surrounding community.

In addition to the library, the four-story building houses an educational technology center that includes an instructional technology unit, a center for teaching, learning and faculty development, and a center for distributed learning. The design facilitates personal assistance with information needs and help with finding, assessing, creating, and using expanded resources.

To create memorable interior spaces in the tradition of great university libraries, numerous two-story spaces occur throughout the building. Natural light through clerestories, skylights, and a variety of window types activates the space, and an abundance of wood in door frames, doors, cabinetry, and furniture provides warmth.

FLITE's function extends beyond its services. The building has been designed to provide an architectural and symbolic presence to a campus of undistinguished post-war buildings. Siting the new facility in the center of the campus became the impetus for a complete reconsideration of campus circulation systems, the organization of public arrival, and the spatial relationships among the university's component parts. Also part of this rethinking was the conversion of the centrally located parking lot to a campus green as part of the new "heart" of the university.

Formal name of Project:
Ferris State University, Library for Information, Technology, and Education

Location:
Big Rapids, Mich.

Gross square footage:
185,000 sq ft

Total construction cost:
$39.8 million

Owner:
Ferris State University
111 West Knollview Drive
Big Rapids, Michigan 49307
Edward Neill, AIA
University Architect
231-591-2920
231-591-2770 FAX

Architect:
Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects llc
475 Tenth Avenue
New York, New York 10018
Charles Gwathmey, FAIA
212-947-1240
212-967-0890 FAX

Neumann/Smith & Associates
400 Galleria Officentre
Suite 555
Southfield, MI 48034
Kenneth Neumann, FAIA
248-352-8310