Bailey/Howe Library, University of Vermont

The University of Vermont selected The Burley Partnership to expand its central library to nearly twice its previous size. Since the Library was felt to be the heart of the University, it would have to provide a strong visual focus. Other requirements included a need for improved separation between pedestrians and vehicles in this very high traffic area.

The design solution uses the traditional red brick of the UVM Campus, but in a radically different manner than the existing buildings. An acute angle wall leads heavy foot traffic coming from the Green and Tyler Theater across the south face of the new Bailey-Howe Library. The upper floors of the new addition cantilever out, and provide shading in the summer for the floors below, while allowing low-angled light to penetrate the building during the Winter. Concrete columns, with the same warm coloration as the brick mortar, provide further support and establish a cadence along this important walkway.

South of this covered walk, broad steps lead to an expansive lawn. The most popular outdoor gathering place on campus quickly became the Bailey-Howe's covered walkway. In the Spring, the population became so large that the steps were quickly nick-named “Bailey Beach”.

With a complete reorganization of the interior and the addition of prime-view reading areas with ample daylight, Library usage doubled. The building incorporates energy-saving mechanical systems. An attractive open stairway, leading to both lower and upper floors, encourages the use of stairs rather than elevators. The structural system is a seismically designed, post-tensioned flat plate concrete frame that is four stories in height.

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