Summary

Although the main base of the library appears to be untouched from the outside when compared to our existing library, the overall, completed library structure now looks reinvigorated, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing. Two sections were added on top of the existing building to expand what already exists and each of these sections was specially built to accommodate contradicting purposes and needs of students. While the lighter, more colorful structure houses the social center of the library, the dark, bluish compartment attracts those looking for privacy and silence. The metallic finishes on the exterior of each of the structures support the overall design program by using sustainable and renewable materials, by better reflecting incoming solar rays, and by simply making the structure look more appealing and modern. The use of teal and purple frosted curtain walls links our library to our school's colors, and thus help establish a more livid and encouraging spirit in students, along with the walls' ability to help insulate the inside from the sun's harsh rays.

The first floor is divided into the staff space, the "open-mic" area, the circular bookcases along with work and computer space, computer lab, technical room, and the library's cafe, while the second floor is divided into the socially-driven center, with the "maker's area", the gaming center, and the auditorium seating, and the study-driven center, with isolated workstations and reading spots.

To come up with solutions to our library's problems and deficiencies, I decided to take the creative approach. First, I came up with the two-story bookcases which help take up less space in the library and allocate more books due to their circular and multi-level forms. I also expanded seating for the "open-mic" center by creating a circular auditorium-themed seating on the second floor, and thus making the whole center more recreational. Conclusively, I also believe in applying sustainable technology to everyone of my designs. For this one, I carry out this goal by seamlessly providing plenty of natural light without overuse of sun exposure, by setting up the structure to guide air ventilation through the library and enabling it to exhaust warm air through the roof, and other similar devices. All in all, I believe that I have redesigned our library more adequately to better fit the stereotype of the "transforming library", to help turn it into a social center for students, to encourage education, and to integrate environmentally-friendly technology.