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Beyond Books

Designing Geier Library’s next chapter

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Berkshire School Geier Library

Berkshire School Geier Library

Berkshire School
Sheffield, Massachusetts

Originally built in 1954 as a gymnasium, the extensive renovations to the Geier Library marks Finegold Alexander’s third successful project at the Berkshire School. Collaborating with the school’s stakeholders and our team of consultants, Finegold Alexander reimagined the school library to include exhibition space for student artwork and spaces to gather and relax. The project improved energy efficiency, lighting, and enhanced architectural features to create welcoming, flexible, and functional spaces to serve the school for the long term. The project was completed in two phases: the first focused on the exterior restoration; and the second on the interior renovations, space planning and design.

(Photo credit: Jane Messinger Photography)

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Size
16,800 SF
Scope
Renovation
Program
Library, Meeting Areas
Sustainability
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Project EUI
Exterior view of Geier Library at the Berkshire School, showing autumn leaves and blue sky
Exterior view of Geier Library, recently transformed from an old gymnasium into a library by Finegolde Alexander for Berkshire School
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“The renovated library supports the mission of Berkshire School by teaching our students the skills necessary to thrive in today’s complex interconnected world and by developing a collection of print and digital resources that support the academic, athletic, artistic and recreational goals of the entire community.”
Pieter Mulder, Head of the Berkshire School
Interior view of Geier Library at Berkshire school, showing the high ceilings that speak to the building's former use as a gymnasium
Interior view of Geier Library at Berkshire School, showing soft seating and also new windows installed during the building's renovation
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Finegold Alexander’s proposed design involved programming and reconfiguring the overall function of the space including more group meeting areas, perch spaces and all new fixtures, furniture and finishes.

Upper balcony view of Geier Library, at the Berkshire School. Student artwork is seen on the walls, and the view down to the library's main floor.
Finegold Alexander's renovation of Geier Library at Berkshire School allows for the display of student artwork in a clean, contemporary setting, as shown in this interior view of the library
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“The new design adds function, technology and social space to this robust, historic building. The quiet interior environment—suffused with natural daylight—now welcomes students and encourages their engagement.”
Christopher Lane, Principal, Finegold Alexander

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Berkshire School Geier Library
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