The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association / Library Leadership and Management Association partner for the annual AIA/ALA Library Building Awards – which recognize entire library structures and all aspects of their design. The 2023 awards ceremony was held in Chicago.

Among the 2023 honorees, the award selection panel chose the University of Arizona Student Success District, which includes the Main Library and the Albert B. Weaver Science-Engineering Library in the nine-acre, four-building district. The project's team included Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, consultants, engineers, and other experts.

From the AIA website: "This project, on University of Arizona’s Tucson campus, unites the school’s essential yet siloed student support services. While comprehensive in nature, involving campus planning, exterior site improvements, and architectural interventions, the project is rooted in the transformation and connection of interior spaces to offer students elevated experiences."

"The project hinged on revitalizing three existing buildings and constructing a new one to centralize all services along the campus’ main mall. Constructed in the 1960s and ’70s, the university’s two libraries suffered from pancake floor plans and no little to no access to daylight. Between them sits Bear Down Gymnasium, a landmark structure that was once the campus fitness hub but had been relegated to a cubicle farm supporting various student service programs. All three buildings were disconnected from each other and hamstrung by band-aid solutions to the interiors that created isolated, and in some cases, inhumane experiences." 

More info

Read full award details on the AIA website.