Smith College Neilson Library

Smith College’s Neilson Library in Northampton, Massachusetts, brings historic architecture and contemporary learning spaces together. Reopened in 2021, the library was reimagined by Maya Lin Studio in partnership with William Bialosky and Shepley Bulfinch. The design preserves the original 1909 building while introducing two curved wings and a stronger connection to the surrounding campus.

Windows play an important role in that balance. Maya Lin’s design retains the historic divided-light character on the east side, while the west-facing windows take a more open approach. These differences help express the transition between the original architecture and the renewed library. Throughout the building, views of the landscape and access to daylight connect study spaces with the outdoors.

We used bird-friendly glass for our work at Smith College, helping reduce the risk of bird collisions while supporting the project’s emphasis on natural light and views.

The library’s glazing incorporates an ultraviolet web pattern designed to help birds detect the glass. This approach supports the project’s connection to the surrounding landscape.

Our work at Smith College brings together traditional window detailing and bird-friendly glazing, showing how glass selection can support the renewal of a historic building.

Project details

Location: Northampton, Massachusetts, USA
Project: Neilson Library renewal
Reopened: 2021
Design: Maya Lin Studio with William Bialosky and Shepley Bulfinch
Synergy Group feature: Bird-friendly glass