Awards

Columbia University Wins AIA New York State Design Award for Li Lu Law Library

November 04, 2026
A view of the Li Lu Law Library from the lobby, with a view of the main reading room.

Columbia University received a 2026 Design Award Citation in the Interiors category for the Li Lu Law Library in Jerome L. Greene Hall from the American Institute of Architects New York State (AIANYS). 

AIANYS’s Design Awards are an annual competition that recognizes projects for their design excellence, innovation, technical expertise, and commitment to enhancing the built environment. Awards were announced at a ceremony held on November 3. 

Designed by Perkins Eastman with input from students, faculty, and staff, the Li Lu Law Library fosters learning, collaboration, and community. Comprised of 55,000 square feet across three floors, the library was completely transformed and modernized to feature an open, light-filled design; contemporary furniture, fixtures, and aesthetics; and a variety of spaces to support study and collaboration needs. 

The Li Lu Library offers more than 600 study seats – a 60 percent increase in seating capacity compared to the previous library. A signature two-story reading room provides extended table space and individual seating with views spanning Revson and Ancell Plazas. Additional spaces include more than 20 fully enclosed group study rooms with state-of-the-art technology and flexible seating options; open seating at the David J. Greenwald Lounge; and over 60 single-student carrels in the Brad and Kathy Smith Reading Room.

A corridor with the David J. Greenwald Lounge at the end with a dark gray accent wall, small bookshelves, and lounge chairs.

In line with Columbia’s sustainability agenda, the project earned LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Among its sustainable design features are energy-efficient HVAC equipment, low energy lighting, locally sourced materials, and bright, open design elements that encourage health and wellbeing in the space. 

Founded in 1931, AIANYS is the New York State chapter of the American Institute of Architects that represents architects and the profession in government. AIANYS is comprised of 13 local chapters and collectively includes more than 9,750 architecture professionals.

AIANYS’s Design Award is the second accolade that Columbia earned for the Li Lu Law Library. Earlier this year, the Li Lu Law Library won an Interior Design Award in the Academic Libraries—Over 30,000 Square Feet category as part of the 10th Biennial American Library Association (ALA)/IIDA Library Interior Design Awards, honoring excellence and innovation in library interior design.