A series of elegant juxtapositions await inside the University of Richmond’s beautiful Boatwright Memorial Library, underscored by GGLD’s thoughtful lighting design. Following a renovation that enclosed the popular cafe courtyard on the building’s south side, our team ensured the space was inviting and comfortable by implementing a design inspired by our years of experience in hospitality lighting. We utilized layered lighting while emphasizing the existing brick and stone backdrop, creating a warm and welcoming gathering space that simultaneously honors the building’s striking collegiate Gothic architecture and highlights the cafe’s modern and airy updated design.
In great contrast, the Library’s west entrance required an entirely different approach as we took on the challenge of lighting an exhibit from the school’s geology department. Featuring all-glass cabinets filled with a variety of colorful specimens, this museum-like space called for a minimalistic design. Working closely with the architect, we developed the floating ceiling and sleek recessed track coves to reinforce the space’s modern aesthetic while allowing the exhibit’s bursts of geologic color to remain the visual focal point.
With one eye on the University’s past and another on its future, our lighting design for the Boatwright Memorial Library supports students and faculty at the University of Richmond through the daily challenges, discoveries, and triumphs of academic life.
