Case Western Reserve University
Statement of Proposal
Redesign of the First Floor of Kelvin Smith Library
Written By
Chen-Dah Chiang
Maeve Goede
Jennifer Huang
Richard Pham
3/14/2011
1. Proposal and Philosophy
In our proposal we present an overall improvement to KSL through various modular
changes to the first floor, which will allow flexible changes by future designers/planners.
This paper will address different parts of the first floor that may be improved by
addressing the needs and desires students have voiced. The overall main proposal is
comprised of many mini-proposals that contribute to our main philosophy, which is based
off the idea of dynamic interactions. Beginning on the east side of the library and moving
west, we attempt to design a smooth transition from a bustling café to a serene outdoor
reading area; thus creating a variety of distinct spaces for library patrons to choose from.
2. Research Method
Our team first compiled a number of questions to form a survey distributed to a portion of
the general body of the campus. It consists of questions that we believe would help us
withdraw adequate and insightful information, such as the common uses of KSL, study
location preferences, and current issues with the library. We also incorporated a section
in the survey used to test new potential ideas for the first floor. To distribute the survey,
we sent an electronic version through email and asked people to fill out paper versions of
the survey whenever given the chance. A total of 219 responses were recorded. (See
https://spreadsheets.google.com/a/case.edu/embeddedform?formkey=dEFkU1VR
SWQ3aG1MZ0dBN1dDX0docFE6MQ)
An overwhelming majority of our survey samples are studying either engineering or arts
and sciences. Gathering information on where students often study in the library specifies
what type of study spaces should be created on the first floor. We found that 20% studied
on the 3rd floor, 15 % used the first floor tables, 14% studied on the second floor, and
13% used the study rooms. There were also quite a number of people who suggested
more study rooms; 67% of the sample uses the library for studying, while only 20% use it
for books and references, indicating our reason to create more study spaces on the first
floor. Our research shows that 33% think the number of tables and seating to be
inadequate, and 11% are concerned about the commotion, especially with the installment
of the new café. This combined data implies that we need to create more enclosed study
rooms insulated from the noise with glass walls as quite a few people suggested. Other
issues to address are furniture, comfort and lack of directory. As for new ideas, 30% like
the idea of a leisure reading area, 23% want a change in the aesthetic concept on the first
floor, and 22% like the idea of outdoor study areas.
In addition to the survey, we have been consistently attending the available interview
sessions with the KSL faculty and staff. We used those opportunities to ascertain details
and to acquire different perspectives from the faculty and staff. Overall, the common
consensus of the faculty and staff on the main function of the first floor is to use it as an
interactive space.
3. Overview of Changes
We now give a brief overview of the major changes to provide the basic format of our
proposal. We begin with minute changes to the café for better use of space. Then we
move towards the current space near the periodicals. Keeping with our philosophy, we
designed a reading space where students can enjoy social lounge atmosphere. Moving
towards the center of the first floor, we suggest rearranging and dividing the front desk in
consideration of the staff for easier security checks and an efficient use of center space.
The freed space from the center desk rearrangement can now be used as an exhibition
area and showcase of various artwork and campus artifacts. The space where study tables
currently occupy adjacent to the entrance will be transformed into an area of bold design.
A mezzanine with glass wall partitions for large group uses, would supplement study
rooms on the other floors of the library. The area in front of the Freedman Center will be
used to organize computers and other technology on the first floor. On the other side
where current computers are will be an area for study tables exclusively. Concluding the
changes to the interior of the library, we offer a bold approach of what we call a
“furniture store” layout: various living room arrangements into one area. Finally, we
propose to construct two patios to utilize outdoor space and other miscellaneous changes.
Floor Layout Changes
4. Moving the Main Desk
The partitioning and separating of the circulation desk will facilitate easier librarian assistance
Currently, the main circulation desk incorporates nearly every public service KSL has to
offer. As a result, the size of the desk has been imposing with its complexity and
interactions between the librarian and students and patrons in need of assistance which is
both inefficient and discouraging. With its intimidating size, the limitation of placement
for the main circulation desk has also raised security concerns for its distance from the
entrance. Therefore, we suggest strongly that the main circulation desk to be both
modified and relocated.
Firstly, the desk should be taken apart into a circulation and a reference desk for the sake
of efficiency. By separating the two, KSL will be able to draw a distinction between
primary services and secondary services for students and patrons. Smaller and more
compact stations will allow the assistance of librarians to be clearly available along with
faster responses to needs.
The circulation desk will be placed under the central atrium, nested next to the circular
stairs. The purpose of this placement is to have the circulation desk come into the
visitors’ view first as they enter the library. This will give priority to the circulation desk
for visitors in search of help. Therefore, primary services such as checkouts that require
only brief instructions and assistance will be included here along with general references.
Diagonally across from the circulation desk, the reference desk will be placed between
the first two columns on the left coming in from the entrance and up against the wall. The
purpose of this placement is to take up the unused space and provide convenient security
monitoring for KSL. Secondary services such as research guidance that requires longer
periods of time can be included here. The majority of book storage space from the
original main circulation desk can be shelved here next to the wall. (Categorization of
services is subject to KSL’s discretion)
KSL has so many resources available that it has become difficult to know where to begin
one’s search for materials. With our new design in place of the current main circulation
desk, the library staff at KSL can easily aide any student or patron in finding valuable
information in their best interest.
5. Café Modifications
Since the café is a new addition to the library, we only have a few suggestions to
contribute. Firstly, the TV screen should be relocated to a corner of the café so that it
does not take up as much space as it does now. Secondly, a countertop for individual
seating and study space for those who enjoy a café atmosphere can be added in between
the two columns where the periodical journals are currently placed. The periodical
journals can be relocated to the lounge area that will be discussed in the next section.
6. Active Lounge Area
The area adjacent to the café will serve as an active lounge area as a place of interaction.
The site of the current art display will be moved in order to make room for this space.
Comprised of a central fireplace surrounded by a freeform couch and highlighted with
dropdown colorful lights, the area will invite conversation and interaction. This area will
also include noise-insulating booths as well as alternative nook seating, thus providing
multiple seating choices.
A general concept of the fireplace, freeform couch and lighting are illustrated below.
Possible fireplace design
Freeform couch
Lighting options
To make the transition from the café area to the active lounge area, there will be a couple
of long work tables that offer adequate room to work.
Long work tables
A way to partition the quiet area near the stacks from the more active lounge area would
be to install two person conversation booths on the face nearest to the stacks and four
person booths facing the lounge area. The booths would offer some noise-insulation as
well as a more private area to study.
Noise-insulating conversation booths
In addition to these noise-insulation booths there will be alternative reading areas such as
the nook illustrated below. Around five of these nooks can be incorporated into a bestsellers area.
Reading nooks
7. Creative Study Space
We have two major designs to create an additional study space in the area shown on the
following page:
Site for new creative study space
7a. Partitioning walls
An initial proposal developed by our group is the addition of glass walls as partitions.
The newly formed rooms can then be used for noise isolation and group uses that may
require some element of privacy but not enough to use a study room in the basement or
third floor study room. The approach is open to any number of designs. Hinged doors,
sliding doors, or even no doors can be an option. An example picture with floor plan is
shown below:
Glass walls proposed for study partitions
The choice of the glass walls helps create a more modern feel that goes along with the
rest of the library’s glass walls, separating the office areas and student study areas. There
is also much flexibility with the glass walls in terms of design. They can be frosted,
totally clear, opaque, or some combination. Unique, modern designs can be seen at the
following url:
http://hdfiles.com/Demountable%20Moveable%20Mobile%20Partition
%20Walls_Little_Rock_Arkansas_Memphis_Tennessee.htm
A zoomed in view of space with glass
partitions
7b. Mezzanine
A second proposal idea is a mezzanine. This idea would not only more efficiently utilize
the volumetric space the library has, but would offer a much more interesting study
environment for students. A profile view of an example is shown below.
The mezzanine floor could have a glassy balcony railing, contributing to the overall
modern feel of the library.
7c. Combination of Ideas
The proposed ideas in 7a and 7b can be done in combination or in any other variation
depending on how the final designers/architects see fit. The first floor of the mezzanine
partition could be used as low ceiling private study spaces with the glass partitions; and
the second floor could be a general study area. This multiuse of library space would be
efficient and unique in design that would attract students to study in the library more
often. The idea itself is bold and new, and would offer a new uplifting feature to the
library.
8.
Alternative Space (from main desk movement)
By relocating the main circulation desk, KSL will have space left over from the
movement. Along with the open triangular atrium next to where the main circulation desk
is currently located, there will be a huge amount of space that is available for other uses
by KSL. In response to the needs of Case students and faculty, we suggest this new space
to be allocated as an alternative space for three purposes: open reading area, exhibitions,
and artifact displays.
If the main circulation desk is relocated, new vacant space will appear in front of the
elevators. Various utilizations of this space are endless to name. Therefore, regarding the
heavy flow of traffic that passes through and stops for the elevator every day, we believe
that this spot is excellent for displaying historic artifacts of Case Western University
(CWRU) and its surrounding community (i.e. University Circle). There are already glass
showcases that are currently scattered throughout the library. However, these showcases
are located at desolated/isolated places, and when one is actually placed in an area with
high traffic flow, its contents are mundane. By upgrading the contents that will be
displayed in collaboration with University Circle and placing the glass showcases in front
of the elevators, KSL can reach out and unite the surrounding communities around Case.
The remaining space by the glass showcases can be turned into an open reading area
along with the triangular atrium next to it. The triangular atrium is currently a space that
has no particular function except to act as a pathway. Therefore, by combining the new
and old space together, a pleasant area for leisure reading can be fostered with the
existing natural light that shines through the atrium. Moreover, as the biggest atrium in
the library, the spacious and naturally lit environment is ideal for KSL to put on any
exhibition here. With the help of mobile and easily stored furniture, the space can be
easily transformed from a reading area to an exhibition.
A comfortable open reading area will attract students, faculty, and people around the
neighborhood regularly. The glass showcases with historical artifacts will remind local
people of their pride and recount the history of Cleveland to students CWRU has brought
together from around the world. Lastly, exhibitions of local artists or artworks from
around Cleveland will invite the community around CWRU into KSL.
9.
Computer/Study Table Rearrangement
In an effort to consolidate resources and define the spaces of the first floor, we propose
moving all of the existing computer cubicles to the front of the Freedman Center. A list
of resources from the Freedman Center will be posted in each cubicle to make students
aware of the available technology. The tables originally located in front of the Freedman
center will be placed in the computer cubicles’ previous location.
The movement of the computers and study tables will encourage the use of the Freedman
Center as well as centralize the electronic resources, making it easier for patrons to
navigate and use these resources and librarians to direct researchers to what might be
useful to them. The reading room next to the Freedmen Center will be designated as a
quieter reading area that opens up to one of two outdoor areas.
10. Anne H and M Roger Cliff Reading Room
Although the current reading room is comfortable and quiet, it lacks a certain appeal to
get students to use it. The style is simple, but to some extent lacks a touch of warmth and
comfort. We propose a furniture store layout, where the room will have various tight
arrangements of furniture surrounding a table, rug, or space of some sort that by itself is
like a showcase in a furniture store. It is possible with the area in the room now that we
can have 4 to 5 of these layouts which would include coffee tables, lamps, side tables,
ottomans, or anything else that one might encounter at a furniture showcase. This would
offer a variety and an overall interesting feel to the room. If correctly done, this could
truly be a reading room one might have in one’s home, but scaled for library use.
Furniture plans will be discussed in sections 12 and 13.
11. Outdoor Spaces
Locations for new outdoor study spaces
Our redesign includes two distinct outdoor areas. As our survey results indicate, an
outdoor area to study at would offer library users another type of desirable study space.
The first outdoor area would be located directly outside the Anne H and M Roger Cliff
Reading Room. We propose using the area that is already level with the first floor as a
continuation of quiet study space. Using a combination of lounge couches, sun/rain
protection units, lighting, as well as table and chair sets, we envision the space to be a
warm, inviting and eco-friendly patio.
11a. Outdoor Leisure Reading Area
The first aspect of this new study space that we will change will be the flooring. By using
cement tiles, we can create interesting patterns while using a “green product” that is
inexpensive to manufacture, has great thermal insulation properties, and weathers outdoor
conditions well. Below is a photo of one type of ceramic tile produced by Solarium. We
would use a color selection similar to the tiles on the right.
Cement tiles by Solarium
To highlight the patio area and moderately shield the space from wind and outdoor noise,
the semi-circular patio will be outlined with potted plants. The flooring on the edges of
this boundary will be a mixture of cement tiles and solar lit floor tiles. An example of
these tiles is depicted below.
Solar lit floor tiles by Orion
This outdoor space will have a combination of covered areas and areas open to the
elements. A sun/rain protections unit will offer refuge to those who prefer studying with
some topical coverings. We propose two to three units that overlap to create design
interest as well as practical cover in this semicircular area. The unit below by Rendir
offers protection while still transmitting natural sunlight.
Sun/rain protection unit by Rendir
Using a variety of sustainable furniture such as large cushioned couches, comfortable
table and chair arrangements and “sun tables”, the area will provide seating for leisure
reading as well as studying.
The “sun tables” are composed of teak and stainless steel tables with unbreakable solar
panels that are connected to inverters to power laptops and other various electronics that
use 120V AC. The tabletop is hinged and can be tilted toward the sun to enhance its
power output. It also features a built-in meter displaying voltage and other statistics
relevant to its functionality.
Sustainable outdoor lounge configuration
Couch and chair options
Sun table (capable of supplying power to laptops and other electronic devices)
Outdoor study tables
Eco-friendly outdoor lounge couches
11b. Outdoor Café Continuation
In place of where the bike racks are currently located, we propose an outdoor café
continuation featuring café tables and chairs. We would install two doors similar to the
doors connecting the outdoor leisure reading area to the inside. The space would not
serve as another entrance into the library, but as a place to enjoy the outdoors in a
communal atmosphere. The furniture would be similar to the interior furniture of the
café and consist of small round tables capable of fitting two or three people at each table.
Outdoor café set
12. Furniture
12a. Café
The café furniture should have orange elements to extend the orange theme painted on
the café wall. Much of the furniture and ideas resemble those of a modern café with a
warm and inviting atmosphere for consumers to not only eat in the café, but also for them
to converse and interact with each other. Each feature provides a distinctive touch that
reinforces the café atmosphere, providing consumers a different place to suit a variety of
preferences.
A simple chair frame constructed of light-colored wood is not only unimposing, but also
aesthetically appealing. The cushion of the seat should be made of synthetic orange
leather for durability and easy cleaning. The common seat height of chairs that is
comfortable for the average person is approximately 18”.
Round table tops are suitable for social interaction, since they have no corners to inhibit
boundaries. They should be set at a regular dining height of about 29” for the best
comfort level of seat-to-table ratio and match the wood used for the chairs. We also
suggest placing a tall wooden counter open on both sides for more seating options.
There would be stools with the café counter to accommodate for the height. Following
the same seat-to-table ratio, the counter should be about 11” from the stool seat. Again,
the seats would continue the orange theme.
Ceiling lamps adds a special touch to the café atmosphere. They would be small pendants
with warm lighting.
Café Chairs: www.beaufurn.com
Ceiling Lamps: www.lightinguniverse.com
12b. Active / Alternative Lounge
Both lounge areas proposed should consist of overall light, compact, and concise
furniture that are mobile for rearrangement according to the needs of the users. The active
lounge area may have stationary furniture, but the alternative lounge must have moveable
furniture, since we are planning to use it as an exhibition on occasions as well. They
should continue or match the orange theme for a smooth integration of the first floor.
A circular seating area encourages social gathering appropriate for a café lounge. With
warm colors and conciseness to match the casual atmosphere, the sofas entice people to
sit in that area for interaction, collaborative work, or just resting.
Active Lounge Centerpiece: www.creativelibraryconcepts.com
Booths can be added to further emphasize the idea of a café lounge and to create more
seating options for those who want to sit off to the side comfortably.
Café Booths: www.creativelibraryconcepts.com
The overall seating fabric should consist of colors and materials that are not easily stained
or worn out, preferably soft synthetic polymers. This type of fabric retains more heat and
its soft feel creates more comfort. In addition to its appeal and comfort, it is less costly
than other materials such as leather.
Lounge Chairs: www.bcieurobib.com
12c. Anne H and M Roger Cliff Reading Room
Inspired by the typical layout of a furniture store, we thought it would be creative to place
several sections of living room furniture with each following its own theme into the
reading room next to the Freedman Center. It would not only strike the attention of the
users, but also fit their variety of preferences. Each theme would have its own distinct
tastes and accents, yet they would be reconciled in unity overall.
12d. Study Rooms
Since the study rooms on the first floor would be enclosed, it would be best to use
furniture with brighter colors to enhance the lighting. They should also have a suitable
seat-to-table ratio of 18” seat height and 29” table height for the most comfort, because
19% of students are dissatisfied with the current furniture comfort level. Seat cushions
should be firm enough so that the seats do not sag when people sit on them as the chairs
in KSL do now.
Study Tables: www.creativelibraryconcepts.com
12e. Computer Carrels
Long rows of cubicles are obstructive to the view. Since we plan to relocate the
computers to the front of the Freedman Center, the rows would create a sort of barrier
between students and the center, inhibiting the flow of traffic to the center. The best
solution would be to replace the cubicles with circular carrels, because its shape naturally
allows for a better flow.
Model of Computer Carrel: www.bretford.com
12f. Circulation / Reference Desk
One of the concerns the KSL faculty and staff had in an interview session was that the
current circulation/reference desk is too imposing. We suggest breaking the desk apart
into one circulation desk and the other as a reference desk. They should be constructed
with wood of warmer colors for an inviting feel.
Aesthetic Changes
13. Carpet
The correct use of carpet can not only isolate noise reflection, but also can also facilitate
the flow of foot traffic and help separate different areas of the library from our proposals.
Based off of Empire Today ©’s description for carpet durability and design, we have
proposed the following carpet floor plan:
The main areas and pathways can have berbers or loops style carpet, which are durable
and tough, perfect for high traffic areas and cleaning by staff. The reading room can have
thicker, softer carpet for the living room effect. The proposed lounge area can have
friezes style —which is described as stylish and spectacular for the interesting, hip
student lounge area according to Empire Today ©. Another interesting style would be tile
carpet for the exhibition/showcase areas. All of these proposed styles could be
interchanged and customized based off of what library staff and final designers see fit. A
final point to be made would be color of the main areas and pathways. Characteristic of
the current hard tile design, we want to use different colors of carpeting to designate
study and computer areas, as well as create a traffic pathway for students.
Other Recommended Features to Add
14. Technology
•
•
Use the projector in front of elevators to not only show statistical data, but also
advertisement of campus activities or other exciting announcements (i.e. use the
projector as a billboard).
Equip study rooms with overhead projectors.
15. Signage
•
The existing directory on the first floor is somewhat clumsy and bulky. Having
poster directories pasted onto the columns might be a better idea.
16. Computer Software Capability
•
•
•
Freedman Center’s service in terms of audio, video, and other creative works is
impressive. However, its narrow focus on providing a wider range of powerful
resources has neglected the basic need of a number of student computer software.
Example: AutoCAD, Origin, Solidworks, MatLAB, Mathmatica, Multisim, and
Java would be excellent to have installed on the computers outside of the
Freedman Center.
Quote from Survey: “A quick glance at the computers in Nord Lab and the
basement of PBL provide good examples of the useful and powerful applications
the students often need.”
17. Accessibility
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines,
architecturally, Kelvin Smith Library complies with all regulations.
18. Miscellaneous
•
•
•
Lighting – aside from going green with sustainable LED lighting, there are two
suggestions in terms of lighting for KSL.
 One is to provide adjustable task lighting for individuals studying at the
library. (e.g. Lamps) This not only saves energy (lamps not used can be
turned off), but also provides better and attractive working environments.
 Another suggestion is to bring natural light into spaces that don’t have
exterior windows and aren’t on the top floor where a skylight can be
installed. There are relatively new products called light tubes that are
capable of achieving this, and two manufacturers are Solatube and Velux.
It’s worth Googling.
Transportation to and from the library – safety concerns, especially late at night,
have been preventing students from using KSL. Moreover, the only two
transportations (Greenie & Safe Ride) the school has offered to students have
been poor in both quality and quantity. Safe Ride has not been up to par as a
student petition for better safe ride service has started. And the nearby Greenie
stops are considerably distanced from KSL.
Art Collection – Art pieces inside and outside of KSL have been imprudently
placed.

•
From our survey, our team learned that there is a lonely bust of the
Cleveland poet Hart Crane sitting on the edge of KSL and Freiberger Field.
Its disrespectful location in a rarely seen area is disheartening to
humanities students and disdainful to Cleveland’s literary fame. A show of
love is demanded.
 The Dancing Figures sculpture placed at the bottom of the stairs seems to
be out of character to the rest of the library and is not necessarily
functional or aesthetically pleasing.
Microwaves – Food is the utmost necessity for students. A row of microwaves is
recommended to be installed in the basement.