This Labor Day, we celebrate the spaces that champion workers’ rights, education, and equity.
MDSA is proud to have contributed to the mission of the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations through a series of impactful design projects completed in the early 2000s, including Ives Hall, King-Shall Hall Conference Center, & the Catherwood Library.
The 48,000 sq. ft. Martin P. Catherwood Library, shown here, was renovated to feature open reading rooms, silent study zones, and sculptural design elements—like a flowing wood-paneled ceiling that conceals building systems and perimeter soffits that create cozy study alcoves by the windows.
As we honor workers and the institutions that advocate for them, we’re reminded of the enduring value of spaces built to inspire change.
Learn more about our work with Cornell ILR and institutions here.
Original Photos by Norman McGrath, enhanced with image-to-video AI technology
