Reading for Justice
The problems with our current library include a lack of space and a lack of resources. We have a computer lab but the rooms are far too small to house twenty students comfortably. More computers are also needed to make the library more functional and useful for studying. Office space for staff members is restricted to a small ten foot by ten-foot area. Storage of text books is also a problem, currently all textbooks not in use are stored on top of bookshelves or in aisles between bookshelves. Bookcases are limited to the walls to allow space for tables in the center of the library.
Justice League's work for the Collect Information step:
Currently tutoring and private studying are the only school activities available. Out of school activities include small seminars and presentations. However, us students detest working in the library because of its lack of comfortable seating and its unsoothing atmosphere. The atmosphere of the library isn't much different than that of a classroom, the only difference being the seating arrangements and the presence of computers. Sadly, the library is not serving its purposes to the best of it's abilities due to lack of resources. Currently when groups of five or more students need to use a computer only one student is capable of working while the rest of the group is forced to cluster around that single student and computer.
Justice League's work for the Brainstorm Ideas step:
One of the first ideas
Then we chose to design a more simple library shape
We immediately started designing the shape of a library that we wanted.
We began experimenting with the "upside-down T" style, but we later found out that if we kept it as a simpler "rectangular" style, we could include much more room for books, studying, and homework.
Justice League's work for the Develop Solutions step:
First step of our "hollowing out"
Our progress on the "first step"
Progress on the first floor
Second floor
Second floor
Second floor
Edited first floor (back view)
Edited first floor (front view)
Edited second floor (side view)
Both floors (bird's eye)
During this step, we placed our hand-drawn ideas, and implemented them into SketchUp.
When we began building the library, space was the main concern for us. So to maximize space we built up, adding a second floor for reading and studying. This was a major improvement upon our original design.
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Colors became another issue for the library. We planned for the library to have warm and neutral colors to keep readers/students comfortable, but at the same time we did not want it to look unappealing. By adding red to the couches on the second floor, we tried to balanced out the heavy black and gray. We livened up the atmosphere on the first floor by adding a oak wood brown, and light tan to some of the bookshelves and the checkout counter, grasping the look of professional and calm.
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To help eliminate such uncomfortable and inconvenient situations, we plan to build an entirely new and separate building in one of the schools unused fields. We are also planning to make the library not simply a school library, but a Sacramento Public Library. This way, the students will have access to far more and better resources while the school will not have to strain itself with providing what would result in inadequate funds. This plan is ideal because it benefits not only the students themselves, but also the community surrounding the school.
Justice League's work for the Final Design step:
Bird's-eye view of the building
Second story balcony
Computer lab (to the left side of the main building)
Children's Room
Interior hallway with book shelves. Serves both aesthetic and structural purposes
A view that a student might see
Service Elevator was included in our design
Soon to be walls and floors
Painting the floor
Sneek Peek of the textured flooring in one of the rooms
With special thanks to Architect Drew Roskos, we took a new perception on the whole design.
To begin, we decided to make the "heart" of the library into a reading and studying place (as you can see in picture 2). The reading/studying area is a simple and spacious design that keeps the users comfortable. We also decided to place bookshelves closer to the walls, and an interior balcony, similar to what the New York Public Library has. With this we were able to fit 5 times more books into the library and organize them easily, as well.
For lighting, we brainstormed on where windows could go. Our goal question was, "what is efficient?" That question led to, "how can we get the most lighting with less room for windows?" So with those questions, we kept ending up at the Munster Library. As you can see in pictures 1,2,7,and 8, the windows will light up the whole main building of the library.
Comments
It appears you are missing critical elements to your project. I do not see the required design process steps, as well as the required completed sketchup design. It will be hard to gather constructive feedback with what you have posted.
we like the design you guys have came up with, we were just wondering what the little rectangle on the left in picture 8 would be? overall its a pretty cool design!
Way, cool logo. Where's your garden and public art piece?
I agree with Ms. Stiles. Get more posted!
Your overall progress is going good. I am still having a hard time understanding your overall concepts. Can you place your sketchup design in a surrounding, which will include landscaping and the garden aspect. This will help determine scale. Also, think about aesthetics. You need more "curb appeal". Keep up the progress.
Make sure you add a feedback section so you can dialog and respond to any/all feedback you get. You will be responsible for this during your final presentation Oct. 4 & 5.
Details, details, details... More info please. For example what is the size of your new library? You must also address how this will work as a county library and be an integrated componant of the school.
Thank you for your comment, it is very much appreciated. The rectangular room on the left side of the building would be a computer lab.
Once again, thank you SuperSeniorSwag for your comment.
We will be sure to have posted more details about our design as soon as possible.
If you have any questions regarding what you would like to know about our design, please ask away.
Your questions and comments will be great for the creation of new ideas and solutions to existing problems.
Hey Justice League!
Great insight about your current library in the "Collect Information" section. From your photos, I can agree that the school's library is overcrowded and could use some additional space. Your description of the limited technology reminds me of my own experiences of huddling around a computer.
It would be helpful if you moved the second paragraph of the "Collect Information" to the "Develop Solutions" section. The paragraph is about what you plan to do, and not helpful in the CI phase.
To round out the CI phase I suggest revisiting the bottom half of the "Try This" section on the "Choose a Project" tab.
http://www.tah2.org/design/instructions/redesign-your-school-library-new...
I would like to see if you have done the research; asked classmates, made a list of functions, made a pro/con list, etc. Make a graph, a picture, or a list. I'd like to see a graphic representation of this work posted to the site.
Finally, take a look at some of these libraries and explore/talk/draw about what is great about them.
Stockholm Library (square shape with a rotunda) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Public_Library
New York City Public Library (specifically the Rose Main Reading Room
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Public_Library
Rare Book Library, Yale
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beinecke_Rare_Book_and_Manuscript_Library
Phillips Exeter Library
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillips_Exeter_Academy_Library
City Library Munster
http://www.mimoa.eu/projects/Germany/M%FCnster/City%20Library%20M%FCnster
You've got a fantastic start to the project and I look forward to seeing progress!
-Drew
Thank you very much Drew R. for a very helpful comment!
Your help is appreciated by our group.
The reading room from the New York Public Library looks very appealing, along with the Phillips Exeter Academy Library's interior and Cite Library Munster's way to light the building.
Again, thank you for your informative comment. Our group and design for our library will definitely exceed our present plans.
Justice League, we are very impressed by the work you have put into your project. We can tell that a lot of thought was put into your design. Although you did add some color by incorporating the red couches, we feel as if your library still needs a bit more excitement. Maybe you could paint more vibrant colors onto the walls, or you could utilize empty space by adding student-made art. Keep up the good work!
Hey Justice League. Now that you have some original design work, it's time to change your portfolio cover image to reflect this. Consider putting up one of your Sketchup models / renderings. Good stuff here!
You're on the verge of taking this project to an entirely new level. Don't stop now....keep working the process. Rock it!
You are coming along very well, and I like that you are constantly adjusting your website to talk about your design project! Keep considering that feedback, and keep up the good work!
This library seems to nail all of the important aspects to a great library. Great lighting, and comfortability seem to be a primary concern for the Justice League. The elevator seems unnecessary, but if implemented correctly, it can be a huge convenience for the people studying who want to go upstairs. Keep the ideas flowing JL!
The library seems to get right to the point, it has every thing a library needs and it explains it very well. I can't wait for this project to become a model I think it will turn out excellent!
Thank you ThemOnes for your comment. We are trying to do the basic things that a library needs, but still add something modern.
Justice League.. I would like to see you simplifiy the interior of your library as well- Your ideas are really thought out and interesting, just not realistic with the number of students that would enter it daily. Also think about adding your new revisions now. I know you are working on a new sketchup model- I look forward to seeing it posted and how you will address the changes you have made and why.
Hey Justice League!
I'm loving the discussion between groups!
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Brainstorm and Analyze:
Terrific start on the documentation. I appreciate that you posted a design that didn't work out, it shows me that you are trying multiple solutions. I would like to see more alternate designs, if you have them.
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It would be helpful if you visited the Society, Site, and Spaces of the TAH2 website. I think the questions will help start a discussion about other elements to analyze and document. A school site plan would help me know where you propose to build your Library/Community Center.
http://www.tah2.org/think
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Your presentation will be stronger if you include basic diagrams to support your design. Check out the UNO School project on the link. Click on "More Images" to see how the firm represents their ideas. The fourth image is very basic, but conveys exactly what they intend to do.
http://www.stlchicago.com/projects/uno-school
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I appreciate that you have already begun to think about window placement, and your awareness of the lighting in the Munster City Library. Since you have done the work, the JL should document and post the work.
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Great work! Keep going!
Drew
Develop Solutions / Final Solution:
Fantastic work, Justice League!
I agree with the decision to place the reading room as the central core with the supporting rooms at the perimeter. Smart move. I would recommend looking through the program to make sure you've shown all the required spaces. I don't see a circulation/information desk.
To help you explain the window design, it would be beneficial to talk about the lighting requirements of the library.
Good luck on your presentation, and remember to show ALL your work!
First and foremost I would like to show appreciation for the Chicago Architecture Foundation for allowing us the opportunity to redesign a new or existing building for our school. I would also like to give special thanks to Drew Roskos whose encouragements lead us to look at other existing libraries for ideas, which lead to a complete redesign of our building and eventually our final design. I would also like to thank other students for bringing attention to the small design flaws and oversights. Once again, I wish to express my thanks for the support received during this lengthy but rewarding project.
-Austin