Reunir

The Freudenthal Library at Trinidad State College has been reborn as a vibrant centerpiece of campus life. As with most late-20th-century academic libraries—introverted and underutilized in the information age—it has been reinvented architecturally to present as a welcoming destination for students, faculty, and the broader community. Strategic design moves signal this exciting new chapter, most notably the addition of a glowing “crystal box” that redefines the entrance and creates a luminous threshold into the space. By day, the library is open and inviting; by night, it shines as a beacon across campus, drawing people in and signaling that the heart of campus is alive and thriving.

The inspiration for the transformation came from the Spanish word "reunir," meaning “to bring together.” This guiding principle is reflected in every aspect of the design, from the now-porous entry facade to the warm, inclusive interiors that encourage connection and discovery. The project celebrates the library not only as a place of learning but as a place of belonging—where individuals come together to share ideas, collaborate, and create community. The renewed Freudenthal Library is more than a building; it is a symbol of openness, energy, and possibility.

The library now houses a variety of study environments including open, collaborative areas, closed meeting rooms, a student lounge with fireplace, an outdoor courtyard with shade, a fire pit, and a striking view of Fisher’s Peak, a study hall for head’s down focused activity, a series of classrooms, and a new makerspace. The lower level was also renovated into the updated Louden-Henritze Archeology Museum.