Rhode Island Monthly’s thirteenth annual Design Awards has given “High Marks” to the Brown University Library’s recently opened Friedman Study Center. Judges awarded gold rankings to the recently opened study center in two categories “Commercial Interior Design” and “Commercial Construction/Renovation,” citing the imaginative layout, use of vibrant colors, and sleek furnishing.
“A look at the other fabulous design projects cited by Rhode Island Monthly show what a tremendous honor it is to capture not one, but two gold medals,” said Harriette Hemmasi, Joukowsky Family University Librarian. “It is a tribute to the generosity of Susan and Richard Friedman and the vision of the project team at Architecture Research Office. Anyone who saw this neglected space just a few short years ago could scarcely have imagined that it would one day be recognized for its architectural excellence. Today, the Friedman Study Center is a model for what libraries can be, boasting a warm, inviting, and user-friendly design. Open all hours of the day and night, it is frequently full to overflowing, with students drawn to its comfortable layout, soft-furniture, and spaces for group or individual study.”
New York based Architecture Research Office LLC was the project’s architectural firm, Providence firm Shawmut Design and Construction served as the construction manager, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates oversaw the Landscape Architecture, and Tillotson Design Associates of New York created lighting design for the space. The November issue of Rhode Island Monthly featuring commentary from the selection committee is now available on newsstands.