DIGroup Architecture (DIG) is cementing its commitment to its “Architecture for Change” philosophy by leading two significant higher education library modernizations: the recently completed ninth floor of the Axinn Library at Hofstra University and the ongoing, $19.5 million renovation of Stockton University’s Richard E. Bjork Library.
The projects showcase the firm’s focus on creating functional, adaptable, and collaborative learning environments that align with the evolving needs of modern students.
Stockton University: Building a modern collaboration hub
The $19.5 million renovation of Stockton University’s 60,000-square-foot E-Wing of the Richard E. Bjork Library is now underway, funded by the NJ State Bond Solicitation of 2022. The new facility is slated for completion next fall.
The redesign reconfigures three stories into layered zones intended to be a modern hub for student success, featuring:
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Layers for student collaboration and casual gathering spaces.
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A café and circulation core to activate the space.
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Designated areas for student advisement, tutoring, and career development.
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Technology and media recording/editing studios, quiet study rooms, and a special collections archive.
“The Bjork Library renovation was driven by a commitment to anticipate the evolving way modern students learn and collaborate,” Jaime Masler Beach, DIG associate principal said. “Our design successfully implements a logical relationship between different study zones, from quiet reading rooms to collaborative and café spaces, offering a variety of options for student engagement and study.”
This collective work underscores DIG’s guiding axiom, “Architecture for Change,” which seeks to create stronger communities through thoughtful design.
Hofstra University: Designing for student input
Students at Hofstra University are now utilizing the fully renovated ninth floor of the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, which was led by Graf & Lewent Architects (G&L), a studio of DIG. The project, which follows a successful redesign of the tenth floor, was guided directly by student feedback.
“Following well-received renovations on the 10th floor, we initiated a student-led focus group for the 9th floor,” Howard Graf, DIG principal and G&L co-founder said. “Based on their input, we maintained the same look and color palette, bringing cohesion to the two floors.”
To maximize the floor’s utility, the design team strategically placed private, individual study rooms around the perimeter while using furniture systems to define open gathering spaces in the center.
The renovation also focused heavily on sustainability and efficiency:
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Resource Reuse: The majority of the perimeter partitions from the previous offices were maintained and reused for the new group study rooms, reducing construction costs and waste.
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Energy Efficiency: Existing ductwork was largely reused, and new LED lighting and controls were installed to maximize energy efficiency.
Jeffrey Venezia, CEO and co-founding principal of DIG, who spearheads the Higher Education Studio, emphasized the firm’s mission: “When we can provide spaces that are functional, adaptable and comfortable for our education clients, we’re doing our part in bettering the community. Our experience navigating a university’s complex ecosystem ensures we deliver inspired places that promote scholastic and community achievement.”
