Modern Learning Library
FSU Flite Library
The Ferris State University Library for Information, Technology, and Education (FLITE) replaced a 50-year-old facility with a technology-integrated academic hub. Centrally located, the library restores a historic campus entry and anchors a new pedestrian “quad”. FLITE consolidates over 440,000 volumes of print collections, digital resources, media production spaces, and educational services into one facility. As one of more than 40 Federal Depository Libraries in Michigan, it supports both the University and the Big Rapids community with broad public access to research, publications, and study areas. FLITE was an early model for integrating digital publications, media labs, and electronically equipped learning environments in higher education.
vision
FLITE was envisioned as the academic and social center of campus, a “Cathedral of Knowledge” that supports research, teaching, and collaboration. Input from students, faculty, and staff helped shape a flexible, technology-integrated environment for both individual and group study. Its placement reorganized campus circulation, reestablished a historic entry, and created a new front door to the University. Natural light features, including skylights, balconies, and an outdoor patio, reinforce its role as an open, welcoming academic commons.
detail
The library’s main structure is wrapped in an aluminum curtain wall with tinted insulated glass and spandrel panels, complemented by light brick masonry that matches limestone and cast stone accents. Conceived as a glass cube enclosing open, flexible floor plates, the building includes two-story spaces and a 168-foot triangular skylight. Programmed features include 60 study rooms, 10 seminar rooms, multimedia labs, and a distance learning room.
“The result has transformed the campus. We now not only have a learning, teaching and research facility, but also a front door, campus green and a gathering center for the University. The location of the building has made it a keystone to the campus community.”
— dale hobart, manager, instructional technologies, ferris state university, 2001
secret
Every aspect of the FLITE building aligns with major campus landmarks guided by radii and control joint gridlines emanating from the nearby Campus Carillon Bell Tower Plaza. The lines extend into and throughout the building and include synchronized alignment with the building’s windows, mullions, interior walls, ceiling grid and columns—right down to the carpet tile floor and even into the library’s elevator flooring. Keeping the unusual grid pattern and vertical datums in alignment was such a monumental task that a full-time layout superintendent ensured the accuracy of all interior and exterior elevations and grid lines. Tolerances were reduced to as little as 1/16 inch. The project included 44 construction mock-ups to test alignment and detailing. All brickwork was drawn in detail and completed after window installation, without breakage.
