Summary

Director of Community Relations:
The physical model really gives the library an atmosphere of team work, unity , community, and a place where people would really want to congregate and get their work done. A lot of the interior design ideas had to be modified, like the original idea of having a waterfall inside, but that potientally could have ruined the interior, the books, and the computers. Instead, we made an aquarium staircase. We had different ideas for the community garden, originally, the ML Book was supposed to be the community flower garden, but we were told that it wouldn't have qualified for a community garden, so instead we have a rooftop garden with a beautiful view of the surrounding neighborhood.

I learned that in the design process community relations is one of the most important aspects of making the design because there needs to be an established communication between the community and the designers/builders. Catering to the community's specific needs, and making something that they will use and enjoy.

Director of Interior Design:
In our final design, we changed completely everything about the existing library. We made the library bigger, included the community meeting and gathering room, and we incorporated storage compartments for the books. We also upgraded the computer room to have more advanced computers and additional room for students to study quietly. Some of the things we changed in order for our library to be improved and got feedback from professionals. We wanted our bookshelves to be in an X- shape but got feedback from some teachers that they will not hold an efficient amount of books. Therefore we abandoned that idea and decide that we were having the standard bookshelves. Also, for the fluorescent lighting, one of our firm’s followers suggested that we consider not having too much lighting. We took that into regard and we are having only reading light being installed.

I learned that I really enjoyed working in a group is challenging, but entertaining. The fact that each person has their own subject that they are really good at doing and expressing their individualism was really interesting. Being able to bounce off different ideas and then putting them together into an actual model has been my favorite part of this whole project. I learned and agreed to the commitment of producing high quality work. I also learned how to provide and use constructive feedback to improve our product.

Director of Landscape Design
The final physical model of landscaping gives an atmosphere of peace and calm. In front of the library you can find beautiful landscape art consisting of a “ML Book”, the book originally supposed to be the community garden but we were told that it relates more to art. So the landscape of the community garden is placed on top of the roof. The landscape of the garden was designed for an easy access for all the community to be a part of the garden.

I learned that in the landscape design the most important aspect of landscaping is making it to community and for community. I learned that there is more to just designing the landscape but it is related to community and how it will benefit the community. I was aware of the interdependence of teamwork. I also learned finding and using necessary and sufficient information to accomplish needed tasks.

Director of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency-
The final physical model shows the wind turbines on the top roof, it also shows all the windows placed around the outer perimeter. It has solar panels on the roof and on some of the windows.
The only thing I changed based on feedback from others was the fluorescent light to the LED lights. However, through much research on my own part I changed many things, like instead of a traditional type of heating I switched to radiant flooring. Also the plaster was originally not going to be a green material but I changed it to American clay.
The design process is very complex. From a energy efficient point of view I realize that there are SO many possibilities to go green, from the tile, to the wood, to even the couches, everything you buy or use can have a eco friendly function to it. I think that the government really needs to start implementing complete eco friendly buildings, because I think that for the future the world needs to start changing their ideas about consuming all of these natural resources and using all the energy. There's many opportunities to involve eco friendly building materials and I know that when I have the chance for my own house I will definitively do some of the things.
What I learned about myself as a team member is that I personally believe I worked well with my other team mates. I tried to be helpful and give suggestions on what might look the best and what would help. I think that I fulfilled my role as sustainable energy manager and that I researched the area very thoroughly. I think I shared ideas with my team mates and that conflict between us was very minimal.
Director of Building Design:
The final physical model for the exterior space has a very open and inviting feeling to it. The exterior space is full of curves and shapes and windows giving it a relaxed vibe. The original design did not plan on having many windows but from the feedback we received we realized that having more windows would not only enhance the look of our building but would also function as a eco friendly source of light.
From the point of the view of Building Design I learned that in each step of the design process you see your structure change from the original to the final product in ways that you would not have imagined. Being very flexible and being willing to make changes is a important part in the process because you also have to weave in the ideas of interior, landscape, community relations, and energy sustain ability.
What I learned about my self is that I will always try to give you the best solution to the problem you have presented me with. As a team member I learned that I went above and beyond my responsibility’s and tried my best to help my teammates out.