Additional daylighting was needed to convert Langsdale Library at the University of Baltimore, a traditional library, to Robert L. Bogomolny Library, a modern learning center with more spaces for studying and offices, Behnisch Architekten LLP designed added windows.
Robert Matthew Noblett, partner at Behnisch Architekten, says, “The library presented a robust structure and was quite lovely inside, but there were few windows. It needed to become more of a learning center, something more flexible, in keeping with modern needs. Subsequently, we wanted to keep the building and repurpose it in some way because it was interesting with a unique character.”
To frame the windows and give the exterior a distinct appearance, the architecture firm designed protruding, triangular metal panels that repeat across the walls and create a pattern. The metal panels also cover the spandrel units between the windows. Flat metal panels were used to conceal door openings at street level.
“After we determined the window strategy, we wanted something more three-dimensional for the exterior, more opaque areas,” Noblett says. “We came up with the idea of a folded, metal ribbon of sorts from the underside of level two to the top of the building. We achieved this with Metalwërks’ panels, which brought an animated character to the building façade, and transformed it into something more dynamic.”
For the protruding panels, A.C. Dellovade Inc. installed 18,000 square feet of Metalwërks’ Sculpted 3-D dry-set rainscreen system. The panels were produced with 0.125-inch-thick, 3003 H14 aluminum. A total 208 wall unit assemblies were used. For the flat wall panels, A.C. Dellovade installed Metalwërks’ Ameriplate Spline wall system.
