Anyone who has visited the remodeled UIS Central Library knows they will find a facility with spaces full of design, modernity, and comfort, based on a contemporary concept with a dynamic and functional environment ideal for the University’s students. This transformation was achieved thanks to the changes led by Rector Hernán Porras Díaz and the project developed by architect Fabián Camargo.
The transformation of the Library, explains architect Camargo, is based on a systemic vision of interior design, where the space ceases to be a passive container and becomes an active learning infrastructure. One of the key concepts was the reinterpretation of the four pillars of education as a spatial structure, translating them into a continuous pedagogical journey that organizes the user’s experience from the collective to the introspective.
“At the design level, key decisions included the efficient reorganization of circulation paths to increase capacity without expanding the built volume, acoustic zoning that allows for the coexistence of different levels of use, and lighting optimization through the opening up of facades and control of artificial lighting to reduce visual fatigue,” says Camargo.
Thanks to these changes, the project has been nominated for the 2026 Lápiz de Acero Awards in the Public Interior Space category, an accolade that highlights the best in design and architecture in Colombia.
“This nomination represents a significant recognition of the value of design as a tool for social transformation, especially in the context of public education. For the team, it is the validation of a rigorous process that prioritizes the user experience, respect for heritage, and responsibility toward resources,” states Camargo.
Beyond individual recognition, the nomination positions the University as a leader in the implementation of architectural projects that integrate innovation, sustainability, and a sense of community.
In line with the vision of Rector Hernán Porras Díaz, the Library thus becomes a symbol of how design can dignify the public sphere, raising standards of spatial quality in academic environments and positioning the UIS as an institution committed to the future of education and the well-being of its community.
Competing in this same category are high-profile projects such as the IUVA Hall and the C-lab, both in Medellín; the lobby and boutique shop of the Museum of Antioquia; and an international proposal developed in Dessau-Roßlau, Germany.
The awards ceremony will take place on May 20, 2026.
