Western Kentucky University Commons at Helm Library

Fulfilling a desire to create a new destination for students, faculty, and the campus community, the Commons at Helm Library is a new intellectual hub at the historic academic heart of campus. A team of Gensler education designers worked in partnership with the architect of record, Luckett & Farley, and the university, to develop a vision and program that combines social spaces — such as food services venues that can accommodate 900 guests — along with library and student support spaces to transform the daily life of campus-based students as well as commuter students. Located within a 1930s building that originally housed the university gymnasium, the campus project completely reconfigures and reimagines the space, while respecting the history of the building.