The Dennis G. Pappas Historical Collections Gallery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Lister Hill Library of Health and Sciences was conceived to reinvigorate a previously underused interior area. Encompassing approximately 3,000 square feet, the gallery introduces a unique oval layout, set within the strict grid of the existing building. It showcases UAB Libraries’ invaluable historical collections.
With floor-to-ceiling glass panels, the gallery is visible from all sides, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. Two existing building columns within the space were transformed into interactive display centers. These columns, wrapped in wood tambour and topped with floating green canopies, serve as “learning trees,” symbolizing knowledge and providing visual anchors in the gallery. Above the gallery, linear felt baffles are suspended, with integrated lighting and linear slot vents distributed between them. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves the acoustics and lighting conditions of the space.
Comfortably nestled within the Lister Hill Library, the Pappas Gallery provides students and patrons with a dynamic showcase that celebrates and promotes the library’s invaluable collection. The gallery is designed to inspire and educate, ensuring the collection remains a key resource for future generations.
