Contact: Matt Lazier  
805-756-7109, mlazier@calpoly.edu 

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly’s Robert E. Kennedy Library renovation has earned a Merit Award at the 2026 AIA San Diego Design Awards, recognizing the transformation of a campus landmark into a welcoming, accessible and sustainable hub for student learning. 

The award honors the renovation designed by The Miller Hull Partnership and delivered with Hensel Phelps. The renovation was Cal Poly’s first major project to use Collaborative Design-Build. Completed in 2025, the two-year transformation renewed the library while preserving the character of architect Robert Marquis’s original vision for the building, which opened in 1981.  

“This recognition celebrates a project that brings together the best of Cal Poly: thoughtful design, collaboration and an unwavering focus on our students,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Al Liddicoat. “Kennedy Library is central to the academic experience and campus life. The renovation honors an important part of our history while creating a vibrant hub where students can learn, create, connect and thrive.” 

Over time, Kennedy Library has evolved from a place known primarily for its collections and individual study to one that reflects the many ways students learn today. The renewed building provides more space for collaboration, creation and around-the-clock study, while exhibition areas bring artwork and materials from Special Collections and Archives into the daily life of the library. 

The renovation reopened the library’s central courtyard, restoring daylight and views to the heart of the building. It also created a more inviting first-floor experience, featuring exhibit spaces for artwork and historical artifacts from Special Collections and Archives, an expanded café, redesigned service points and clearer wayfinding. 

A new main stair improves navigation throughout the building while addressing seismic, life-safety and accessibility needs. The project also added all-gender restrooms on every floor, two seminar-style classrooms and expanded study seating. Improved exterior insulation, new high-performance glazing and upgraded heating and cooling systems reduced the building’s energy use by 30%. 

Hub24, the university’s 24-hour study space, expanded to include the library’s first and second floors. Students also have access to the Digital Scholarship Studio, which offers a research help desk, group study space, computer workstations and support for data science projects. 

In presenting the award, the jury said the project “brought new life to this brutalist campus landmark,” adding that the renovation “appreciated the existing building for what it was and respectfully made it better without over-renovating it.” 

The jury’s conclusion: “They turned it into the very best version of itself.” 

The award was presented Aug. 20 at the 2026 AIA San Diego Design Awards ceremony. 

To learn more about the Kennedy Library transformation, visit afd.calpoly.edu/facilities/planning-capital-projects/project-news/kennedy-library. 

About Cal Poly 
Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 23,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Solano County to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities, maritime and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit www.calpoly.edu.  

###