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This Library’s an Open Book

Alfred R. Goldstein Library
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota, FL

Most libraries are meant to be quiet spaces. Not this one. The Alfred R. Goldstein Library at the Ringling College of Art and Design is a bold, collaborative space that roars with the creativity of students and alumni.
The library’s lower floors open up in expanses of glass to let the outside in, and help illuminate student murals that wrap the elevator core. Upper floors feature terraces where burgeoning artists can find inspiration while taking in spectacular views of the nearby bayou.
The Alfred R. Goldstein Library covers 49,000 sf—nearly four times the area of the library it replaced.
Our design team led interactive roundtables and focus groups to uncover the needs and wants of students and stakeholders. High on the students’ wish list: a cozy living room, which has become a campus favorite.

We want this to be an intellectual student union. This is not going to be a quiet place at all.

Larry Thompson

President, Ringling College of Art and Design

The dramatic black staircase serves a pivot point and marks a stunning contrast to the light, airy space.
Shepley Bulfinch worked in association with Sweet|Sparkman Architects.
“Momentum,” a mural by Ringling alum Julie Kanapaux (2000), spreads across the library’s three floors.

This is not your grandfather’s library.

Larry Thompson

President, Ringling College of Art and Design

Meet the Team

Angela Watson, FAIA, LEED AP

Angela Watson, FAIA, LEED AP

President and CEO

Angela focuses on creating environments that support people in learning, teaching, and collaborating. Her passion for teaching in both the classroom and studio makes her a leader who fosters a collaborative team process that elevates all members to their full potential.

Kalyn Pavlinic, NCIDQ, LEED AP, IIDA

Kalyn Pavlinic, NCIDQ, LEED AP, IIDA

Associate Principal

Kalyn weaves together an understanding of user needs and institutional goals with a strong design aesthetic rooted in human behavior and spatial experience.

Kelly Karpinsky, AIA, LEED AP

Kelly Karpinsky, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

An accomplished library designer, programmer, and planner, Kelly has worked on a wide range of collegiate libraries and learning commons throughout the United States and internationally. 

Luke Voiland, AIA, LEED AP

Luke Voiland, AIA, LEED AP

Managing Principal

Luke oversees both practice and market strategy nationally for the firm. He brings an inquisitive approach to the design process while advocating for design responses that create responsive, collaborative environments. 

Sidney R. Bowen III, AIA

Sidney R. Bowen III, AIA

Consulting Principal

For fifteen years Sid served as the firm’s Managing Principal, with a focus on assuring that Shepley is successful as a business, able to attract and support talented professionals in service to its clients.

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