Leo. F Cain Education Center and Library

Vision

Our feasibility study for CSU Dominguez Hills concluded that their existing 1968 library could not adequately serve their growing student body. A renovation and expansion would create a center to house educational and cultural resources to serve the campus and surrounding community. This new 140,000 SF addition houses the university’s entire collection of books and research materials (over half a million volumes), study and lounge areas, expansive reading rooms, technology-integrated archival storage and research areas, an events center and multi-cultural art gallery, and learning center.

Our design team enhanced this cross-functional programming and connected indoor and outdoor spaces with a north-facing clear glass wall. At night, the building illuminates like a lantern to showcase activities and interactions of library users, staff and faculty within. Vertical LED bars affixed to this north facade also create a light show that displays different colors and patterns based on the users’ activities inside.

A multi-story glass pedestrian bridge connects the existing library to its addition. Replete with a balcony lounge and outdoor seating, the open-air top of the bridge is a destination for reading and studying in the fresh air and southern California weather. Flanked by two major pedestrian walkways, the new library anchors the academic corridor of the CSU Dominguez Hills campus.