Hibser Yamauchi Architects, Inc.

Client

Dominican University of California

Location

San Rafael, CA

Center for the Dominican Experience & Archbishop Alemany Library

HY Architects has provided design services for the upgrade of the Archbishop Alemany Library and the new Center for Dominican Experience – an interactive learning environment that supports Dominican’s values of study, reflection, community, and service.

The library project restores many original design elements and reimagines the use of the space to best support student learning today. A new entrance on the south side of the building improves flow to the rest of campus; interior walls are glass, allowing light to pour into the center of the building; and the new outdoor learning plaza allows students and faculty to take full advantage of the campus surroundings. The interior spaces are receiving upgrades to include quiet spaces, as well as group study zones and flexible seminar rooms as well as a full IT and HVAC infrastructure upgrade along with new restrooms.

The Center for the Dominican Experience, located on the first and second floors, will house spaces for mentoring and coaching, a digital portfolio lab, and more formal gathering areas. The Learning Commons, both indoors and out and will be a flexible environment with soft seating areas for informal gathering.