Boston, MA Finegold Alexander Architects has completed the design and renovation for Boston University School of Medicine’s Alumni Medical Library, which is located on top three floors of the school’s Instructional Building on the University’s Medical Campus. This $2.5 million, fast-tracked construction project began last summer and the building was occupied during the renovation.

The library’s visitors  range from first-year medical students and PhD students to residents and researchers, dentists and oral surgeons. This diverse body reflects a variety of learning styles and curricula, which is driving the program and space plan. The design addresses a diverse set of needs, including opening up the space and improving circulation throughout the library. 

The existing closed-circulation stair between the main library floor and the new study spaces was expanded to enable the penetration of light through the space and promote its use.  The 13th floor was entirely gut renovated to accommodate the new “Learning Resource Center.” 

Typically, students spend long stretches of time with dense material and creating a quiet study floor with varied options including carrels, individual study pods and glazed booths was an important goal to meet the varied learning styles.  In addition to individual study spaces, four group study rooms are provided, as well as two spaces for one-on-one tutoring.  Display space for medical artifacts and rare books also are provided. 

“The team at Finegold Alexander was excited to collaborate on this renovation project,” said Rebecca Berry, AIA, principal-in-charge. “Working on the Medical Campus is an extension of our work at BU’s Charles River Campus. We welcome the opportunity to continue to support the mission of this great University.”

“We are looking forward to having this much needed new study space for our students. We appreciate the particular creativity of Rebecca Berry and the Finegold Alexander team in planning the space and thank the Miselis family for their gift that contributed to renovating this outstanding new space,” said Karen Antman, MD, BU Medical Campus provost and School of Medicine dean. The Library serves Boston University’s Schools of Medicine, Public Health and Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.