MEMORIAL library
SECOND FLOOR | WEST CORRIDOR INTERIOR DESIGN REFRESH
krista neerdaels - spring 2016
history
Memorial Library, located in the center of UW-Madison’s campus has stood as the biggest library of the university since it was constructed in 1953, housing more than 3 million books on top of a thorough collection of periodicals and special collections. The building -post two expansions- is over 350,000 square feet and can seat 2,300 people at any given time. The project within addresses the needs of a 16,000 square foot space known, much like the rest of the library, to be a silent individual work environment. Through interviews and design research, the design evolved to catch up with the speed of higher education design trends in the world today addressing the various needs of the millennial generation.
contents Plan & Program
Development & Inspiration Concept & Application Collaborative Area Quiet Area Silent Area Booth Design Study
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furniture plan
1 N.I.C.
SILENT STUDY
MEN'S RESTROOM
DN
UP
defined needs
UP
COLLABORATIVE AREA
CLASSROOM
WOMEN'S RESTROOM
QUIET STUDY
UP
- collaborative area - accessible technology - silent space - variety of seating - study “nooks” - flexibility of space - preserve historical integrity of the space
program main points
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To gather an idea of the spatial requirements and client needs, a number of tours as well as two interviews were conducted. In an effort to understand areas within the space that needed improvement and those which did not, surveys of six faculty members as well as of six students were held on separate occasions. The two sets of feedback rarely intersected on common ground.
FACULTY RESPONSE:
STUDENT RESPONSE:
Highly interested in including masses of technology and media. Influenced by modern, newly designed higher education buildings throughout the U.S. Flexibility of space is important in accommodating the various needs of the space. Want the space to be a hub for studying and collaboration.
Misunderstood the exercise at hand and thought that Memorial Library was fine as is. Believed the “silent� nature of the building is what made it unique and liked that about it. Did agree that more access to power would be ideal and thought the space could use a new design.
The challenge became incorporating the desires of the two groups into a cohesive scheme. This design worked to find a balance among silent, heads-down workspaces, low-chatter quiet areas, and high energy collaboration spaces for the West Corridor of Memorial Library.
color study
early attempt to accommodate the given coral travertine
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inspiration
concept development
card catalog
an iconic historical representation of Memorial Library
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concept statement
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The University of Wisconsin – Madison’s Memorial Library has stood as the main hub for literature for over six decades. Over time it has evolved very little in terms of its function. Having always been known as a silent, heads-down study space, its purpose has become unparalleled with the needs of millennials. Worldwide, a shift toward more collaborative, open workspaces has begun in an effort to accommodate the dot-com generation. Luxuries like readily available outlets and varied seating types are now second nature in spaces designed for higher education. This concept aims to incorporate the technological needs and varied work styles of millennials into Memorial Library’s second floor west corridor. An emphasis is placed on remembering where the building came from and how users and the world around it influenced its current nature. Decal graphics throughout the space depict images from various moments throughout the library’s lifetime. The design is a representation of the passing of time, much like the pages of a book, or the rings of a tree. With this thinking, the spatial organizations are layered, each interacting with the others differently, hoping to provide a unique experience
for every user.
defined needs
- collaborative area - accessible technology - silent space - variety of seating - study “nooks” - flexibility of space - preserve historical integrity of the space
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reflected ceiling
collaborative area
This space is meant to be utilized by groups of three to five, needing technology and a louder place to work. Areas to the right and left of the decal contain media plug ins and task chairs conducive for longer collaborative sessions.
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3 A108
1 A108
Within the quiet section, where students are encourage to discuss and chat quietly, are three rentable cubes for private group work while still being exposed to and within the liveliness of the study area.
quiet area
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Here is an example of how the history of Memorial is being tied into the space. Photos of or around Memorial Library are scattered throughout the space to remind students of the library’s past and present. 3
Elevation 14 - a 3/4" = 1'-0"
quiet area
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3 A108
1 A108
Varied seating types and heights provide options to students needing to focus in the silent study area.
silent area
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Custom desks line the wall to provide a sense of security and privacy while again being in the midst of the activity of those in the surrounding area.
silent area
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3 A108
1 A108
3 A108
This booth design, though modeled for an individual person, is meant to be available in a variety of sizes, up to six. The design was inspired by the idea of having a desire for your own space while being surrounded by others. The blue acoustic felt material is intended to absorb distracting sounds passing through the booths. Wood paneling provides a clean aesthetic with minor reveals to break up the form.
booth design study
1 A108
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KRISTA NEERDAELS -INTERIOR DESIGN CAPSTONE-