ECCLES HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY
The Eccles Health Sciences Library has been a cornerstone of the Upper Campus at the University of Utah for over 50 years, serving as a hub for quiet study and research for medical students and healthcare professionals, both locally and nationally. Studio LP collaborated closely with a diverse user group—comprising staff, librarians, students, and residents—to gain insight into the evolving needs of students for the new center.
The project includes a comprehensive seismic retrofit, featuring roof deck reinforcement, re-roofing, and upgrades to electrical and mechanical systems. New windows, elevators, and the infill of an existing elevator shaft are part of the renovation, along with the addition of restrooms, exercise space, a café, multi-use event areas, various study spaces, and key social zones. The seismic upgrade strengthens existing beams and adds shear walls to a new central core, which will house bathrooms and a new ADA-compliant elevator. The existing mechanical system will be fully upgraded, and the main electrical service will also be modernized. New food service facilities will be integrated into the remodel.
The building retains its iconic Brutalist architectural style, with a façade composed of pre-cast concrete panels, University of Utah standard red brick, and storefront windows. The interior spaces include a large, two-story area to the south (originally designed for stacks and quiet reading) and a northern ring primarily dedicated to offices, administrative spaces, and conference rooms. In select locations, we are enhancing the existing architectural language by enlarging some of the storefront windows to bring more natural light into the space.
PHASE 1: Programming
PHASE 2: Reading Room Seismic Upgrade
PHASE 3: Infrastructure
