library of virginia

The Library of Virginia (LVA) was founded in 1823 to preserve and provide access to the state’s printed and manuscript holding— the most comprehensive collection in the world for the study of Virginia history, culture, and government. Its current home at 800 East Broad Street in Richmond was constructed in 1990 and totals over 450,000 GSF.

designLAB’s master planning effort— undertaken over the course of six months in 2023— outlines a comprehensive space plan for the first two floors of the Library that maximizes accessibility, improves visitor experience, and fosters engagement and interaction. Furthermore, the reorganization of existing spaces and introduction of new uses will activate the first and second floors to better engage and support the public. On the first floor, a new cafe and an expanded Exhibit Hall will engage Broad Street, inviting visitors in. A flexible (flat floor) Event and Lecture Venue will replace the current auditorium, supporting a wider variety of use. A new Memory Lab, Discovery Center and series of flexible program rooms will ring the large lobby, activating it like never before.

On the second floor, a new Visible Storage area for large format and visual collections will greet guests at the top of a new grand stair. A new balcony will ring the lobby, creating a more open circulation path and new places to gather. A combined service point will support a more intuitive patron experience. A suite of flexible meeting, study and conference rooms will create a hub of learning and engagement. 

On the exterior, the foreboding stone base will be softened by a lighter canopy, gentle ramps, greenery, places to sit, and generous new openings to create a sense of welcome and vibrancy along the street. Balconies along the front and side faces will provide an invitation up and in.