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An Invitation to Learning

A dramatic atrium welcomes students and embraces change

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The Commons at Horn Library

Babson College
Babson Park, Massachusetts

The contemporary, sophisticated Babson Commons at Horn Library—light, bright, airy, and inviting—is the place on campus to connect, collaborate and caffeinate. Extending across the plaza directly in front of the library, Babson Commons houses three state-of-the-art classrooms, academic and extracurricular resource centers, and additional staff and faculty offices. A four-season garden and café encourage formal and informal meetups. The Commons is also home to the Stephen D. Cutler Center for Investments and Finance, raising the profile of finance at Babson and allowing the Finance Division to expand its curriculum and signature learning experiences.

(Photo credit: Anton Grassl Photography)

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Size
33,000 SF
Scope
New Construction, Renovation
Program
Resource Center, Test Rooms, Study Spaces, Reception
Sustainability
Awards
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In the news
Out of the Shadows and Into the Light
Project EUI
Two college students walking out of the front entrance to the Commons at Babson's Horn Library, a brick rectangular prism with tall arched windows.
Students walking towards and around the Commons at Horn Library at Babson College, a brick cube with repeated, tall arched windows on a warm fall day.
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“Babson Commons created an opportunity for us to better invest in important elements of the academic experience." With three technology-enabled classrooms, a new home for the Stephen D. Cutler Center for Investments and Finance, additional group and informal study and social spaces, Babson Commons allows the "College and community to continue on its tremendous trajectory of accomplishment and distinction.”
Larry Ward, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Babson
Student studying and socializing in a light-filled space, with indoor trees and plantings defining the space around varied seating areas.
Girl walking by a group of students sitting in couches and at tables in front of tall windows looking out to the campus, with two indoor trees framing the seating area.
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After the successful renovation of Horn Library's third floor study space, Finegold Alexander was invited to design a 10,000-square-foot addition to mark a dramatic new entry for the library. While contemporary in design, the entrance transitions seamlessly into the existing building, reflecting the Babson brand with warm, sophisticated furnishings.

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View down a hallway with with stairs going down on the left with a modern, textured wall, and small study rooms with natural light and glass windows and doors along the hallway.
Students in rocking chairs on the balcony of the Commons, with a clear view of the space below, the large arched windows and the skylight.
Students waiting in line at a cafe bar under the balcony, with indoor plantings in the foreground and a tree near the cafe counter.
Woman walking into the Cutler Center for Investments and Finance, with blue computer screens to the left and a stock market band across the top of the room.
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“For years, I have seen our students gather at Horn Library, studying and socializing… It was clear to me that they needed more space to do so. At its heart, this is a place for our community to come together—for chance encounters and shared experiences. In this space, we will discuss ideas and extend learning beyond the classroom."
Kerry Healey, former President of Babson College
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Legacy
K-12
Civic
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Higher Ed