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.

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Walton Center for Planetary Health, Arizona State University