Summary

Many libraries contain basic requirements to be a library; they have a few book shelves and some tables and chairs, but what are some ways to better Mira Loma's student's access, learning ability, and ability to share information through today's modern way of life? Many students find that it is helpful to use a computer for research and also a place separate from the rest of the student population to reherse, practice presentations, or share information with out having the disturbances that you would find publically. Students need a quiet place to study, a place to do research, and a place where they can easilly do school projects without worrying about not being able to finish a project due to a lack of a computer, bookor other needed resource.

In Mira Loma High School's current library, collaborative learning is achieved through huddling around one computer or around one table where students are required to keep their voices down and to go out of the library if they need to rehearse presentations out loud. There are a few ways that we can produce both quiet and noisy learning spaces in the library. Our group has decided upon putting in sound proof rooms where student will have unlimited access to computer usage and meeting rooms where students can rehearse presentations and use modern technology without disturbing others. We have also decided to input a student study lounge that offers a quiet place for doing homework, silent reading or tutoring.

After deciding to open our school library to the community, we realized that whoever needs to access the library after school hours would have a difficult time getting into the library if the main entrance to the building, where the entrance to the library is located, is locked. Therefore, after reviewing our options, we decided, as a group, to put a second entrance to the library on the outside of the building instead of the inside to give the community an opportunity to enter/exit the librar without having to walk through the entire school building.

Since our sketch of the new space, disabled, elderly, and other ages can access the library and our new meeting room through the provision of wide doorways, and wheelchair accessible ramps. There are labs for learning English or other languages, using computers to do research or other work, a print shop to print documents, and bathrooms in the library itself. There are also tables and chairs to do book or paper work, books to read, and an aquarium to provide a non stressful atmosphere for students. The new library has more room to accommodate people for meetings and larger quantity of people may attend.

Some improvements in sustainability include creating brighter rooms with natural skylights and using some reflective shades to reflect more light into the library. We can also use a duel pipeline so we can save water and energy by using recycled water wherever possible. Having a green roof top would provide natural insulation and a relaxing place for enjoyment. Many things can be done for duel purposes that are both water and energy efficient.

Director Assignment Questions:

• Exterior Building Design:

1.) What government sources of revenue are used to construct school buildings?

Sources of revenue that the government uses to construct school buildings are Property taxes, general state aid, categorical state aid, competitive grants, corporate personal, interest income, and federal aid. Through property tax, it receives the most substantial revenue source accounting for more than half of their total revenues. General state aid is the second source of revenue and income. Thus, the concept results to the equality principle, such as if school districts that have the least local wealth should receive the most general state aid. Categorical state aid is most pronounced toward the special need students and programs. In this category, schools do not compete for categorical aid. Competitive grants are used for school districts with limited revenue and thus articulate toward private resources. Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax is an income or invested capital, and school districts are notified of the estimated CPPRT amount during the summer, receiving payments throughout the year.

Interest income allows school districts to always maintain some reserve funds for cash flow purposed, ensuring the a sufficient number of dollars are available for needs. Federal aid provides a substantial education funding and one example that is most prominent in this category is the Federal Lunch Program and ESEA (No Child Left Behind) Title programs.

2.) What codes are the most difficult to overcome?

The codes that are most difficult to overcome are as follows: handicapped code and energy conservation codes. Handicap codes require that and set path of travel within a sidewalk or walkway be raised at a 2 degree slope and must meet the requirements of the ADA standards. Energy conservation codes require renewable energy, more efficient HVAC equipment, and more efficient lighting systems.

3.) What are the problems with the exterior of the Mira Loma High School library?

Problems with the exterior of the library were more benches or tables for students to lounge around and the some improvements to the environment of the campus for a more inviting look.

4.) What was the original intent for the space where the library now exists?

The original intent for the space was a study area where students during school hours could coagulate and have a research base for projects or meetings with students. It is a hub space where students could access materials and a quiet area for study.

5.) What changes would Mrs. Gibson make to the exterior of their buildings if they had a budget?

The changes made to the exterior, again would have to be renovation of the school campus ground for an inviting and friendly atmosphere, as well as sitting areas for, students.

6.) What famous buildings did you research and use as inspiration?

A famous building that had caught my eye in architecture was the Acros Fukuouka building in Fukuouka City, Japan. It is a hybrid building that accumulates green building and good use of solar gain. On one side of the architecture is glass wall more suited more toward a conventional office, while the other side has an enormous green roof with 35,000 plants that step down floor by floor. It resides 60 feet above the ground and is most responsible for keeping temperate levels through the building.

7.) What areas of space will you add, expand, or extend?

The areas of space I was taking a look at was the expansion of the vacant area located next to the library where a tree resides. I wanted to make use of that space in order for the library to expand immensely. Another area would be an additional study room that would be an extension toward the exterior. Rooms will be incorporated as well for better access to materials, good storage space, and in general, a much better use of space for students, staff, meetings, and class room activities.

8.) What kinds of color and shading from the rain and sun will you add to the existing exterior space?

I was thinking of having the same brick type that Mira Loma High School has in its buildings and the library will now be renovated to be more green energy friendly with more sustainable windows. Roofing material will also go by green energy standard, with just the extension from the study room and new areas.

• Interior Building Design:

1) The interior of the current library leaves little or no room for textbook storage, more tech-space for students in need of them, or proper meeting rooms along with efficient handi-capable entrance and exits.

2) The students of Mira loma use the library for several activities, such as a lunch/afterschool study area, they can check out extra-ciricular readings, and find school-related information using the computers provided.

3) The measurement of the new renovated library is 120' X 75'. The study room: 43.4' X 43.4'. Music room: 24.8' X 9.3'. Information desk: 9.3' X 9.3'. Language room: 18.6' X 9.3'. Restrooms: 12.5' X 12.5'. Book shelves space: 43.4' X 21.7'. Tech room: 12.5' X 12.5'. Councilor's office: 15.5' X 12.5'. Storage Space: 49.6' X 15.5'. Librarian's Office: 12.5' X 12.5'. Break room: 21.7' X 9.3'.

4) When they enter from the A-Wing hall they follow the counter and can turn right to get to the check-out, but to search through the variety of books you must weave around several tables to get to one section, though the rest really all you have to do is walk along the right side of the main room.

5) The number of students that can be seated through the library as a whole would be 100 students: as for which rooms carry a specific number of students is unknown at the moment.

6) Ms. Gibson would for sure like more space for the new books that come in, and a storage room for the unused textbooks and e-c books as the boiler room and E-15 are being used for that.

7) As the storage of books has already been stated, the check out will have two options: the librarian of course who will have a rounded check-out counter near the entrance of the library, but close enough to the book shelves to make it more convenient for students walking through the lengthened library, and self-check out's near the outside entrance.

8) The color choices I would like to use for the interior of the building would be beige, as that color often symbolizes feelings of peace and quiet-- even though the color seems rather bland and dull compared to the rest of the school. I would have the corners and edges of each corner painted with a strip of blue with red inside, representing MiraLoma's school colors of course and also blue equaling peace and tranquility, and red excitement and strength; quite fitting for the Mightly Matadors. I feel the flooring should remain rugged as food/anti-water drinks are prohibited inside the library, as to prevent possible slipping and law-suits. My inspiration was based on our own revision of the library.

9) The area of expantion will for sure be the open area where the bike-racks were placed during the 2010-2011 school year and of course farther back in time, and the tree is placed. The Counselor's Office will remain connected to the library section, but will be slid in the corner across from the Businness Office with the same exact measurements as te current one.

10) No staircases or elevators will be required as the library will remain a one story building-- but a handi-capable ramp will be installed for the raised community room that will be placed in the library.

• Interior Decor Design:

Q. What types of seating are used in the library?

A. Right now the seating that are used are the school chairs that are too small for some and even uncoordinated to the color of the room. They are also broken down and have been over used for quite some time.

Q. What type of flooring is used in the library?

A. The carpet that is used is a rather old and filthy blue tacky carpet. There is also small traces of gum residue as well if looking at it. It has also been there since the first day the school opened.

Q. What type of lighting is used in the library?

A. Right now it is the normal lighting that is used in practically every room in the school. Nothing that is new and some are even broke and even making the lights flicker on and off.

Q. What colors are used in the space?

A. The main colors that are used is not even colors but bricks instead there is no off color the only bit of color that they have is located in the main computer room but it’s still bare white walls.

Q. What types of windows treatment are used?

A. The window that give off the main source of light is the ones that rest in the back of the first part of the library where there is an open glass door that is next to floor to ceiling window that gives off the bright light. However when you first walk in and look to the left you can see the tinted windows that show off little light.

Q. How is artwork displayed in the library?

A. There is little bit of artwork that mainly shows in the computer section with paintings that was made by students in the school. And a few posters of colleges and schedule like papers that have little to no color or brightness to it what's so ever.

Q. What modern libraries did you include as inspiration for the interior space?

A. One of the libraries that I found that is really something that is very modern and in my taste well made that would make everyone in the school like going into the library was from this website. http://www.bcieurobib.com/modern-library-design-featured-at-strasbourg-p... The interior décor was well made there is nice plentiful colors and is in a well lite room with comfortable chairs and couches that make the library seem welcoming and fun to be in rather than dull and boring.

Q. What kinds of furniture did you chose to research inspiration for the interior space?

A. Well I most looked at the modernize looks for our library it would make the appeal to the students and the librarian a more upbeat fill. So colors that not only complement each other but at the same time makes one want to go back to the library just to stare around the walls.

Q. What kinds of furniture did you choose from your research and inspiration from your design?

A. For the chairs and tables change the plain blue tables with better class tables that are in a red rather than blue that can hold a lot, looks good, and is rather comfortable. As well as the chairs not only will there be chairs for the computer rooms and for the tables that matches with the tables or complements it very well but. It will also have chairs or couches that is red, white, and black all full form chairs that one can sit comfortable on. And have a small end table or coffee table so they can feel more at home of course these small tables will be matching along with the rooms. But then again I mainly looked at these types of furniture’s.
http://www.aghomestore.com/images/CC900253_big.jpg http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/
2/0/0/143/f/AAAAAgD7UuYAAAAAAUPyMw.jpg?v=1220723618000 With a table like this.
http://www.woodartistsgallery.com/products/schlerman-crw-0862-c_original... with desks
for the computer rooms like this. http://www.ikea.com/au/en/images/products/micke-
desk__0104236_PE251184_S4.JPG

Q. What kinds of paint, and flooring designs did you identify for inspiration?

A. For the paints in the room I’d suggest blacks, reds, and whites in the rooms in the front mainly blacks and reds in the front room to make it seem somewhat nice while in the other rooms it would be blacks and whites and reds and whites. The floors in the rooms I’m getting rid of all the carpet and changing it into dark brown red wood floorboards that would give it a nice classy look in the second room I’ll change it to a next to black wood floorboards
and in the final room a lighter wooden brown floorboards. First room color like this http://
www.blackcatdc.com/images/460/red-room.jpg (Without the bar.) The second room http:/
/dreamingdecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Elegant-Black-and-White-Living-Room-
Ideas.jpg (Without the furniture). And the final room. http://www.solarnovo.com/wp-content/
uploads/2011/07/white-and-red-living-room-design-ideas-500x340.jpg (Without the furniture).

• Landscape Design:

1. What types of plants are in and around the library?

The plants currently around the library are several plum trees, and various other large trees with wide branches providing shade. Currently in the courtyard we have planters with many rosebushes that are butchered every year to keep them from growing too large.

2. According to administration, what chosts the most for landscaping?

According to administration, grass costs the most by far. Costs range everywhere, from fertilizer, water (which is especially high), and gardening.

3. According to administration, what problems can they potentially uncover when updating landscape?

Some possible difficulties may include costs or regulations. Mainly being cost, it requires money to hire workers and rent machinery required to renovate an area, the bigger it is the larger the cost.

4. How would gardens or a water feature benefit the library?

This would provide a calming atmosphere, where people can simply go to relax in an
environment that is stress free and stimulates the mind. The sound of water is calming, giving everyone a good place to work. Gardens can have a similar effect, greenery that smells nice can have a very calming effect as well.

5. What kinds of modern landscaping /materials did you choose from your research as inspiration?

I drew inspiration from walking gardens, these usually come with a variety of plants that have low maintenance costs and a fountain. I can install benches around the area in front of the library. Instead of rose beds I will put in a walkway with seating surrounded by plants mainly lavender, creosote, and Manzanita plants which all require little water to thrive.

6. What will be the location for storage of tools, water, and materials for landscaping?

There is a small unused area adjacent to the current rose beds, I plan to install a small tool shed that can be accessed by the janitorial faculty. Water will not be required, these plants are native and will live on the natural water that falls from the sky.

7. What type of garden or water feature did you agree to include and where will it be located?

I will include a garden and a fountain. Both of these will be installed where the current rose beds are. The garden will consist of native colorful plants that require only natural rainwater, and in the center will be a fountain. This will be a slanted stone rectangle, where water falls from the top and lands in a pool beneath with a soft splashing.

• Community Relations:

1. What kinds of people and community members have used the library outside of school hours?

Nobody has because the doors leading into the main building and library are locked at 4pm daily

2. In what ways could the library become a small community center for residents after school hours?

It could become a place to use computers (technology), a place to study languages, a place for community meetings, a place for research, classes and other events.

3. According to administration, what kinds of expenses do you have to consider when opening the existing spaces to outside community groups?

Keeping library staff on duty longer than normal in order to provide services and watch over the community, possible theft or vandalism by strangers, and keeping the library open.

4. What kinds of community events could the new space host?

Meetings about events, problems or other concerns of the community, educational events teaching a skill, book clubs, story time for young children, crafting events, etc.

5. What kind of classes could be offered in the new space?

Basic computer use, English for non native speakers, basic money management skills, health classes.

6. Where can the community display public and student art?

On the walls, on top of bookshelves, in windows maybe.

7. Where can community members park to use the facility?

On the street or the teacher’s parking lot on the side of the school.

8. In what ways can the community help to maintain the new space?

They could volunteer to help out the school library staff, clean up when it’s closing, help teach classes, promote events.

• Sustainability and Energy:

1. How is government involved in Green Building Standards on school campuses?

The Federal government has several key green building policies that are used when creating green building standards on school campuses. Some of the policies include: "The Energy Policy Act of 1992 and Executive Order 13123 require Federal buildings to reduce their energy use by 35 percent by 2010 (compared to 1985). Executive Order 13123 also requires Federal agencies to “apply [sustainable design] principles to the siting, design, and construction of new facilities.” The Office of Management and Budget’s Circular A-11 encourages agencies to incorporate Energy Star® or LEED™ (the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system) into designs for new building construction and renovations. In addition, nine agencies/departments now use LEED™ or a similar tool for their new projects: General Services Administration, Army, Navy, Air Force, Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Park Service, Department of State, and Department of Health and Human Services." Through these programs, schools also redule their water and energy consumption.

2.What does Mira Loma do to reduce their “carbon footprint”?

Mira Loma currently uses faucet aerators and vacuum flush toilets in their restrooms and has a recycling club that also terra cycles certain types of materials. Other things that Mira Loma does to save energy and water are by using energy efficient light bulbs, turning off the school computers, classroom lights, and other electronics every day, teaching students how to be water and energy efficient, and by planting water efficient plants, such as trees and shrubs, like oleanders.

3. What does the San Juan Unified School District do to save energy and resources?

The San Juan Unified School District saves energy and resources through: implementing the Faser energy accounting software and monitor usage, looking at M&O procedures and practices for conservation opportunities, training staff, adhering to the superintendent’s recommendations of 68 degrees for heating and 78 degrees for cooling, capturing energy savings potential in new equipment installations in existing facilities, ensuring the modernization program goals include energy efficiency, and setting up an incentive program to reward the sites for energy management/saving.

4. What kinds of local utilities can you partner with to support sustainability and energy efficiency?

Mira Loma High School can partner with SMUD, CEC, and PG&E and consider their programs, like SMUD’s green energy program.

5. What kinds of eco-friendly building materials did you research and use in the new space?

We will partly be using bamboo flooring and the rest of the flooring will be eco-friendly carpeting. We will use recycled-content drywall and sound absorption wall panels on the ceiling and walls. We will use permeable cement and use rainwater and runoff for landscaping. We will use recycled materials for bathroom stalls and carpets. For the roofing, we will use recycled metal. For insulation, we will use spray foam.

6. What kinds of eco-friendly furniture, windows, and lighting did you research and use in the new space?

We will use high performance windows to save money on heating/cooling and lighting. We will use solar skylights, along with some LED lights. We will also use bamboo furniture.

7. What kinds of restroom design did you research and use as an inspiration to improve energy and water efficiency?

I researched eco-friendly restrooms and I found some designs where used sink water drains to the toilet instead of using tap water for both. Other designs have the grey water drain into some indoor plants. For our design, we have chosen to also be space efficient and provide the most usage for the given space.

8. What kinds of insulation, air circulation, heating and cooling systems did you research and use as an inspiration?

We will use displacement ventilation for natural heating/cooling and air circulation. We will also use a spray foam, which is an eco-friendly insulation.