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Assignment A4: Library Facilities Design
Begin Assignment A4: Facilities Design. Check assignment due date. If you are
learning a new software tool or application, you will need time to create your
product. Read the following information on the use of design in the creation of
space, and what to consider:
Exterior Space-A building’s form, scale, and spatial organization are the designer’s response to a
number of conditions—functional planning requirements, technological aspects of
structure and construction, economic realities of cost, expressive qualities of image and
style. In addition, the architecture of a building must address the physical context of the
site and the issue of exterior space.—Francis D.K. Ching (Interior Design Illustrated,
1987. p.12)
The purpose of this assignment is to have you begin to think critically and creatively
about the two major components of architectural design (form and space) and the
principles that guide their ordering in facility design: their impact, strategies for
implementation, rationales for choices, and element--to be included in your design
schema and process. Design of your space can inform and determine your vision and
mission for your space, so think thoughtfully and “holistically” when constructing your
library space schema.
Architecture is generally conceived, designed and realized (built) in response to an
existing set of conditions. Designing and/or re-designing existing library “space” and/or
environment (either from “ground up” or altering a preexisting scheme or structure)
needs to have a clear understanding of the vision and mission of the space. Therefore,
clarity on your vision and mission for the space is essential for developing and
implementing proper design. Developing that vision and mission, as we have discussed
earlier, is an essential initial component/consideration for any librarian in the creation of
the library’s design—its learning space and learning environment, for function
determines and defines form, especially for the school librarian where creating a multifunctional instructional environment is essential and integral to the overall design
process.
Spatial Dimensions—
The dimensions of interior space, like spatial form,, are directly related to the nature of a
building’s structural system—the strength of the materials and the size and spacing of its
members. The dimensions of space, in turn, determine a room’s proportion and scale,
and influence how it is used. ..
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While the width of an interior space may be limited by structural necessity, it should be
established by the requirements of those who use the space and their needs to set
boundaries for themselves and their activities. (Ching, p. 28)
Therefore, providing flexible, multi-functional space(s) for group and/or individual
instruction requires thoughtful planning and consideration.
Some general architectural considerations when determining adequate library “space”
dimensions and design, think about the following: (though most librarians, school or
otherwise, must work within the confines of their existing special dimensions and
limitations): http://www.wbdg.org/design/elementary.php
For elementary schools:, 24% of the student body times 40 sq. ft. (e. g., 300 students x
.24 = 72 x 40 = 2880 sq. ft.), plus 30 sq. ft. per workstation, plus office, conference,
storage, and instructional room.
Seating capacity can be determined by a combination of the size of the student body and
the number of staff persons available for supervision.
(2) For secondary schools:15% of the student body times 40 sq. ft.(e. g., 1000 students x
.15 = 150 x 40 = 6000), 30 sq. ft. per workstation, plus office, conference, storage, and
instructional room).
Seating capacity will be 12% of the total student body. This standard reflects a continued
need for standard space even in highly networked environments because of the
instructional focus of the school library media program, and recent educational trends: e.
g., cooperative learning, project based curricula, resource based teaching and learning,
inclusion of special needs students into normal classroom activities wherever they occur,
etc.
*These standards reflects a continued need for standard space even in highly networked
environments because of the instructional focus of the school library program, and recent
educational trends (e. g., cooperative learning, project based curricula, resource based
teaching and learning, inclusion of special needs students into normal classroom activities
wherever they occur, etc.)
Spatial Form-When a chair is placed in a room, it not only occupies space, it also creates a spatial
relationship between itself and the surrounding enclosure. We should see more than the
form of the chair. We should also recognize the form of the space surrounding the chair
after it has filled some of the void. (Ching, p. 27)
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Consider (though not limited to) the following when planning a facility:
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Size of the student body
Attendance patterns of students in the library
Age and learning styles of students
Teaching methods
Number of staff in the media center
Scheduling of students to the library
Size of the collection, materials, and equipment
Technologies to be housed in and managed from the media center
ADA compliance issues (e.g. spacing of bookshelves, height of bookshelves,
exits/entrances, width of exit/entrances, restroom access, access to library
from hallway-on 1st floor, 2nd floor with adequate access, etc.)
Issues regarding technology (placement and # electrical outlets, Wifi'd or not,
docking stations, etc.)
Seating (comfortable seating areas, adequate space for classes, etyc.)
Lighting issues (natural vs. man-made)
Placement of library in the building (center of building, outside wall area, at end
of building, etc.)
Multi-purpose areas
Collaborative learning center(s)
How the design fits into the library's stated mission/vision
Use of "hard" and "soft" technologies (e.g. use of manipulatives--talked about in
conversation between Dr. Turner and Dr. Carpenter)
Therefore, in this assignment, read the module readings and other materials and
from what you have learned, think about and create a facility plan/design for your library
to meet your aims, goals, mission, vision and 21st-Century library learning standards.
The design of the school library assumes an important role in its functionality and
accessibility, playing a major role in how well the library and its subsequent programs
serve the school.
Therefore, create a design scheme and develop a narrative to explain your design
rationales.
Possible Drawing Programs to use:
1. Sketchup (free download--Windows and Mac versions):
http://www.sketchup.com/intl/en/download/gsumenthankyou.html
--Getting started with SketchUp; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPkv9tRuO-c
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2. Smart Draw (free download--Windows version only):
http://www.smartdraw.com/downloads/
3. MS Word
Another Design Resource:
http://www.discoverdesign.org/design/instructions/competition2013