Uris Library Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

THE PROJECT

We were engaged by the University to provide an Accessibility Path of Travel Study for an 1897 William Henry Miller designed university library.  The principal focus was to understand options for improving access throughout the facility to create opportunities for independent barrier-free access extending over the building’s three main levels, nine stack levels, and multiple intermediate levels.  Our approach aimed to be respectful of the architectural and historically sensitive structure. The five entry strategies and conceptual solutions will be implemented independently or in combination and/or sequentially as funding and scheduling allows.  Our process and methods included the investigation and analysis of the existing conditions, previous studies, on-site investigations, and a discussion of current library services, as well as future development of new and expanded services.  Discussions how best to achieve the options included an opinion of probable cost, code implications and building system upgrades.

Study:
2012