Neilson Library Renovation, Smith College
Sustainability Consulting Role: Developed a custom sustainability project charter in collaboration with Transsolar and the design team to showcase the library as a model of the highest standards in healthy manufacturing practices. With a strong focus on eliminating “Red List” chemicals from targeted high priority materials, the team used this iconic building and prestigious design team to advocate for industry-wide transformation. Balanced preservation requirements with modern sustainability performance through innovative retrofit strategies. (Work performed while at Thornton Tomasetti)
Climate-Positive Solutions Delivered:
Adaptive reuse of 85% of existing structure
30+ products that contain third party certifications by organizations such as Declare Labels, Health Product Declarations, and Cradle to Cradle Certifications.
40+ Healthy Material Basis of Design products
High-efficiency HVAC system sensitively integrated to preserve historic interiors
Central oculus skylight and optimized window-to-wall ratio for daylighting
Locally sourced and reclaimed materials
Smart lighting and HVAC controls with occupancy sensors
Performance Outcomes:
LEED Gold certification for historic renovation
50% energy reduction compared to typical library baseline
Daylight reaching high percentage of occupied spaces
Preservation of historic status while achieving modern performance
Enhanced occupant comfort and indoor environmental quality
The Smith College Neilson Library renovation by Maya Lin Studio + Bialosky + Shepley Bulfinch demonstrates how historic preservation and cutting-edge sustainability can be seamlessly integrated, transforming a 1909 Carnegie library into a 21st-century learning environment.