Jannes Library and Learning Center

A modern-day library addition respectfully contrasts its 1912 Georgian style mansion counterpart, with each retaining design integrities true to their time.

Information

Location Kansas City, Missouri
Size 21,000 SF
Completion 2002

Nested atop a treed hill slope, the Jannes Library and Learning Center—an addition to a 1912 Georgian style mansion on the Kansas City Art Institute campus—maximizes site configurations, while providing ease of access for pedestrians and vehicles alike. The new addition embodies the concept of the ‘Containment of Knowledge.’ The existing brick structure houses three departments—Library, Academic Center and Computer Lab—while the new addition solely contains library functions. The shell of the addition, in respect to the human anatomy, becomes a structural “cranium” for the knowledge contained within the library stacks. Knowledge is embodied in physical form through books and computers. Perimeter reading and study spaces throughout the building are important amenities. The overall result culminates in an environment of higher education that promotes interaction and learning.

Impact + Innovation

The new addition to Jannes Library and Learning Center was designed to respect the existing structure by not trying to mimic its architecture or compete with its street presence. By contrasting the new from the old, both structures are able to retain their separate integrities and are true to their time and construction methods. The facility was designed with an organizational system that places utilitarian functions to the north and library functions to the south. These planning efforts afford the library spaces with optimal natural daylighting for reading and studying. Circulation connections between the existing and the new are made through the use of minimal pedestrian bridges, which allow for a strategically placed two-story atrium spine between the two structures. Natural light filters through this transparent membrane carefully join past and present.

People

Team

Stephen Siebenmorgen
Gary Jarvis
Brian Rock
Andrew Van Blarcum
Bryan Gross
Stephanie Nielsen
Darren Oppliger
Amy Gray

Client

Kansas City Art Institute

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the wonderful James Library and Learning Center. I’m so glad all you had an opportunity to attend our celebration dinner last week, and hope you heard many good comments about the renovated building and beautiful new addition. I think it is a stellar project. Thanks for all of your hard work on this project. As always, it is a pleasure to work with you.

Kathleen Collins, former president, KCAI