Collaboration: It’s Not Just a Buzzword Presented by: Peter Gisolfi, AIA, ASLA, LEED AP Senior Partner, Peter Gisolfi Associates Architects - Landscape Architects, LLP
Michael Tribe, AIA, LEED AP Partner, Peter Gisolfi Associates Architects - Landscape Architects, LLP
Jane Marsh Former Trustee of the Byram Shubert Library Byram, CT
Alan Kirk Gray Director of the Darien Library Darien, CT
Caroline Mandler Lopez Associate Director of the Darien Library Darien, CT
Agenda • •
Introductions Collaboration: The Process and Participants
•
Case Study: Byram Shubert Library
•
Case Study: Darien Library
•
Final Thoughts
•
Questions and Discussion
Peter Gisolfi, AIA, ASLA, LEED AP Senior Partner, Peter Gisolfi Associates Architects - Landscape Architects, LLP
Michael Tribe, AIA, LEED AP Partner, Peter Gisolfi Associates Architects - Landscape Architects, LLP
Jane Marsh Trustee of the Byram Shubert Library Byram, CT
Alan Kirk Gray Director of the Darien Library Darien, CT
Caroline Mandler Lopez Associate Director of the Darien Library Darien, CT
Agenda •
Introductions
•
Collaboration: The Process and Participants
•
Case Study: Byram Shubert Library
•
Case Study: Darien Library
•
Final Thoughts
•
Questions and Discussion
COLLABORATION: THE PROCESS
Collaboration in library design is a symbiosis of: • The physical and cultural setting of the project, • The intentions of the users, • The design ideas of the architects and engineers. The most important factor in collaboration is to repeatedly examine alternatives. Libraries designed in this way are usually successful.
COLLABORATION: THE PARTICIPANTS
THE PLANNERS
THE DESIGNERS
THE USERS (IMPACT)
•
Are usually members of the library board.
•
Often refine the objectives established by the planners.
•
The librarians, the library staff, and the patrons who come to the library.
•
Look at the project from a wide point of view, often including fundraising.
•
Prepare a series of alternative diagrams related to the established objectives.
•
Participate in planning and design reviews.
•
Are the first to establish the objectives for the project, reviewing and modifying these objectives with the designers and the users.
•
Librarians learn from the comments and critiques of all users. As a result, they:
•
Review these alternative diagrams with the planners and users, leading to initial designs for the building.
−
Influence the evolution of the new plan.
−
Adjust the library offerings to better serve the public.
COLLABORATION: THE PARTICIPANTS
THE PLANNERS
THE DESIGNERS
THE USERS (IMPACT)
•
Are usually members of the library board.
•
Often refine the objectives established by the planners.
•
The librarians, the library staff, and the patrons who come to the library.
•
Look at the project from a wide point of view, often including fundraising.
•
Prepare a series of alternative diagrams related to the established objectives.
•
Participate in planning and design reviews.
•
Are the first to establish the objectives for the project, reviewing and modifying these objectives with the designers and the users.
•
Librarians learn from the comments and critiques of all users. As a result, they:
•
Review these alternative diagrams with the planners and users, leading to initial designs for the building.
−
Influence the evolution of the new plan.
−
Adjust the library offerings to better serve the public.
COLLABORATION: THE PARTICIPANTS
THE PLANNERS
THE DESIGNERS
THE USERS (IMPACT)
•
Are usually members of the library board.
•
Often refine the objectives established by the planners.
•
The librarians, the library staff, and the patrons who come to the library.
•
Look at the project from a wide point of view, often including fundraising.
•
Prepare a series of alternative diagrams related to the established objectives.
•
Participate in planning and design reviews.
•
Are the first to establish the objectives for the project, reviewing and modifying these objectives with the designers and the users.
•
Librarians learn from the comments and critiques of all users. As a result, they:
•
Review these alternative diagrams with the planners and users, leading to initial designs for the building.
−
Influence the evolution of the new plan.
−
Adjust the library offerings to better serve the public.
Agenda •
Introductions
•
Collaboration: The Process and Participants
•
Case Study: Byram Shubert Library
•
Case Study: Darien Library
•
Final Thoughts
•
Questions and Discussion
CASE STUDY: BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY (A BRANCH OF THE GREENWICH LIBRARY) THE PLANNING PROCESS Presented by Jane Marsh
PLANNING
Considerations • Define goals
• Validate the need for change
• Develop a support team
• Identify sources of funding (public and private).
• Develop a comprehensive communications plan
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
PLANNING
Considerations • Develop Steering Committee of current and former trustees, community leaders, and individuals with building expertise. • Develop a space needs assessment and building program with a library specialist consultant. • Ensure collaboration between the Steering Committee and the consultant. •
Thoroughly evaluate, vent, and reference several different architectural firms.
• Identify multiple sources of funds – Byram Shubert developed a true private/public partnership.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
CASE STUDY: BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY (A BRANCH OF THE GREENWICH LIBRARY) THE DESIGN Presented by Michael Tribe
DESIGN
Program Requirements • Double the size of the library from 5,500 to 11,000 square ft.
• Add a generously-sized children’s area.
• Add a new community room.
• Integrate software technology.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
DESIGN
Objectives • Transform the library to allow different age groups to simultaneously inhabit the building. • Configure the expanded library so that the it can be operated by the current staff. • Respect and enhance the original architectural language. • Increase energy efficiency. • Create a site plan that is better adapted to the setting.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
DESIGN
The New Plan • A new two-story structure was constructed adjacent to the original building. • The addition provides a new community room below and children’s library above. • The transformed adult library provides zones for privacy, research, and browsing. • Computer technology is enhanced throughout the building, with more workstations to meet demand. • The addition and transformation maintain and enhance the architectural spirit of the original.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
DESIGN
Green Initiatives •
Energy efficient lighting and multilevel controls are used throughout the building.
•
Daylight and large expanses of glass illuminate the interior.
•
The new mechanical system is more energy efficient.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
DESIGN
Collaborative Strategies Six design options were offered to the building committee. By examining, analyzing and critiquing each scheme, the committee members became active participants in the design of the library.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
Byram Shubert site before transformation and expansion
CASE STUDY
Byram Shubert Library
Byram Shubert site after transformation and expansion
CASE STUDY
Byram Shubert Library
SITE PLAN (BEFORE)
CASE STUDY
SITE PLAN (AFTER)
Byram Shubert Library
UPPER LEVEL
Existing Building
CASE STUDY
New Building
Byram Shubert Library
Original Building CASE STUDY
New Building Byram Shubert Library
Original library faรงade (before)
CASE STUDY
Byram Shubert Library
Expanded library and addition
CASE STUDY
Byram Shubert Library
Circulation desk (before)
CASE STUDY
Byram Shubert Library
Circulation desk (after)
CASE STUDY
Byram Shubert Library
Children’s library
CASE STUDY
Byram Shubert Library
Original library (before)
CASE STUDY
Byram Shubert Library
Transformed, expanded library
CASE STUDY
Byram Shubert Library
CASE STUDY: BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY (A BRANCH OF THE GREENWICH LIBRARY) THE IMPACT Presented by Jane Marsh
IMPACT
Positive Outcomes • The new library serves multiple age groups simultaneously. • Communal areas provide opportunities for more programming. • Daylight and transparency bring a sense of joy to the building and its users. • Generous windows afford pleasant views to the surrounding greenspace. • The library now offers comfortable space for browsing and an area for new acquisitions.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
IMPACT
Lessons for Librarians • Librarians should be active participants with a strong voice in the design process. • Librarians should articulate the aspirations of the users and staff. • The staff should visit other libraries to see what works well and what to avoid. • Librarians should monitor the design process so that the library will operate effectively for staff and patrons. • The collaboration between the librarians and the architects should continue after the building opens to enable the library to evolve.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
IMPACT
Vision – Let There Be Light • The users of the Library influenced the evolution of the plan. • The beauty of the original building was sustained and enhanced. • There was a collaborative effort in developing the design – No detail was too small to discuss. • The steering committee studied several libraries, taking ideas from each. • A comprehensive communications plan was developed to provide regular updates to the community. • The Library now functions as a storefront, a general collection, and a community hub.
BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
Agenda •
Introductions
•
Collaboration: The Process and Participants
•
Case Study: Byram Shubert Library
•
Case Study: Darien Library
•
Final Thoughts
•
Questions and Discussion
CASE STUDY: DARIEN LIBRARY THE PLANNING PROCESS Presented by Alan Kirk Gray
PLANNING
Planning a New Building • In 2001 we completed a strategic plan that made it clear we needed more space for what our community wanted from their library. • Our plan to expand our existing building failed. We then had two years to plan for a new library building. The best thing that could have happened to us. • What we took out was as important as what we designed in: • No technical services • No circulation desk • No music CDs • No big service desks • Remind yourself every day while planning:
“It’s not our library, it’s the community’s.”
DARIEN LIBRARY
PLANNING
Planning a New Building • We visited new and innovative libraries around the country, and attended ALA conferences. Everywhere we found bits and pieces that resonated. • A grand vision is not the only important factor, the smallest details matter. • To succeed, you must have a clear idea of what will work for your community. It’s up to you to have that reflected in the architect’s plans. • You may have to fight for what you know is right. Make sure that what you are arguing for matters. • Express your ideas clearly, with both reason and emotion.
DARIEN LIBRARY
CASE STUDY: DARIEN LIBRARY THE DESIGN Presented by Peter Gisolfi
DESIGN
Program Requirements • Remediate the polluted site.
• Design a new library of 48,000 square feet to house a collection of 185,000 items.
• Design the new building to maintain the same size staff.
• Design an energy-efficient, LEED-certified building that uses no more energy than the previous library.
DARIEN LIBRARY
DESIGN
Objectives • Emulate the architectural language of typical New England public buildings. • Create inspiring spaces for reading, study, and collaborative learning. • Create an open floor plan with interconnected spaces, transparent to each other both vertically and horizontally. • Intermingle seating and book collections, with no large areas devoted exclusively to stacks. • Create a community cultural center for a variety of activities.
DARIEN LIBRARY
DESIGN
The New Plan • 3-1/2 story building of 55,000 sf with entries on east (Boston Post Road) and west (reading courtyard adjacent to the parking lot) • The southern exposure overlooks the landscape of an historic cemetery. • The plan is organized with conversational functions at street level, “Main Street,” with: − An information desk − Self checkout kiosks − Recent acquisitions and fiction collection − A café − The community auditorium and − The children’s library.
DARIEN LIBRARY
DESIGN
The New Plan •
The lower level includes: − An art gallery − Digital instruction space − The young adults room − Technical services and the automated material-handling system − 7,000 net sf of unfinished space for future expansion
• The traditional library functions are on the 2nd floor and mezzanine including: − The non-fiction room − The reference room − The periodicals room − Special collections − The administrative offices
DARIEN LIBRARY
DESIGN
The New Plan •
The 2nd floor mezzanine provides spaces for individual and group study.
• The glass atrium connects all four levels of the library.
DARIEN LIBRARY
DESIGN
LEED Gold Initiatives: The Building •
Well-insulated exterior envelope.
•
High thermal mass to stabilize interior temperature.
•
Heating/cooling by four 1,500 ft “standing column” geothermal wells.
•
All interior spaces daylit.
•
Energy consumption reduced when the building is unoccupied.
•
Annual heating/cooling costs approximately the same as the previous 23,000 sf building.
DARIEN LIBRARY
DESIGN
LEED Gold Initiatives: The Site •
Site irrigation from the geothermal wells.
•
Storm-water from the roof and paving managed entirely on site, with bioswales that filter the water.
•
Native vegetation planted on site.
DARIEN LIBRARY
Darien Library
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
Darien Library in its town context COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
POLICE
CEMETERY
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
Darien Library Concept Plan
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
Darien Library Concept Section
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
Darien Library courtyard entry on the west, adjacent to the parking lot
Information desk on Main Street
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
The children’s library
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
The glass atrium and stair connecting all four levels of the library
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
Atrium at the entry to the reference room on the 2nd floor
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
The reference room looking toward the mezzanine and atrium
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
View from the reference room to the atrium
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
Darien Library entry on the east adjacent to Boston Post Road
CASE STUDY
Darien Library
CASE STUDY: DARIEN LIBRARY THE IMPACT Presented by Caroline Mandler Lopez
IMPACT
In the first year… • Circulation increased by 17%.
• Visits increased by 8%.
• Questions increased by 73%.
• Attendance at programs increased 40%.
• Use of library computers increased by 63%.
DARIEN LIBRARY
IMPACT
Community Deepened Residents found new reasons to be Library users: • Study alone or with others • Meet friends at the cafe • Enjoy programs on a much larger scale. • Dive into the power library, providing a range of technology and business center offerings New technology meant staff could do more: • Circulation staff serve as Reader Advisors • Reference librarians trained in retail services • Shelvers spend more time in shelves
DARIEN LIBRARY
IMPACT
The Building Belongs to Our Users “Our mission is to provide education, entertainment, enrichment, and community building through compassionate service to all. We are the heart of Darien and provide experiences that people love and remember.�
DARIEN LIBRARY
IMPACT
DARIEN LIBRARY
The Building Belongs to Our Users When they have a problem to solve, a question to be answered, and where the future of our community is discussed‌ Abilis Boy Scouts of America Chinese Education Association Community Fund of Darien Connecticut General Assembly-Rep. Terrie Wood Connecticut State Library Council of Darien School Parents CT Department of Housing CT Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology Cytogel Pharma, LLC Darien Adult Chamber Music Group Darien Advocates for Education of the Gifted (DAEG) Darien Arts Center Darien Beautification Commission Darien Board of Realtors Darien Chamber of Commerce Darien Coastal Commission Darien Community Fund Darien Democratic Town Committee Darien Domestic Abuse Council Darien Foundation Darien Health and Safety Committee Darien High School Hockey Darien High School Theatre 308 rehearsal Darien Jr. Football Darien Jr. Sailing Darien Special Ed Parent Advisory Committee
Darien Squash Darien Youth Hockey Association Darien Youth Lacrosse DHS Class of '73 Reunion Performance DHS Quiz Bowl Team Executive Forum First Church of Christ Scientist Darien Friends of Gorhams Pond Friends of Post 53 Garden Club of Darien Girl Scouts of America Girl Scouts of America Service Unit (leaders) HomeCare/Nursing Blood Pressure clinic HomeCare/Nursing Flu Shot Clinic Jack & Jill, Inc. Noroton Bay Neighborhood Association Noroton Yacht Club Norwalk Community College Foundation Person-to-Person OPUS Pitney Bowes Golden Oldies Red Cross Blood Drive Representative Town Meeting District II Representative Town Meeting District VI Senator Bob Duff Office Hours Shepherd's Inc. The American Friends Tiny Miracles Foundation Tokeneke School PTA Trinity Church Western CT Council of Governments Youth Mental Health Project
IMPACT
DARIEN LIBRARY
Agenda •
Introductions
•
Collaboration: The Process and Participants
•
Case Study: Byram Shubert Library
•
Case Study: Darien Library
•
Concluding Thoughts on Today’s Libraries
•
Questions and Discussion
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS ON TODAY’S LIBRARIES BYRAM SHUBERT LIBRARY
DARIEN LIBRARY
• A 1970’s building with a unique architectural style.
• A new civic building, evoking New England traditions on its exterior, but with a modern, open interior.
• Expanded and transformed to enhance the spirit of the original building. • Provides new space for children and community functions.
• Transparent and interconnected. • Technologically advanced; model of sustainability.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS ON TODAY’S LIBRARIES
• Libraries should be welcoming places open, transparent, and interactive. • With new technologies, librarians can be more available to patrons. • Cafes, art galleries and other informal spaces encourage interaction. • Libraries are cultural centers, providing programs, instruction, and events. • Libraries are often models of sustainable practice for their communities. • Through collaborative design, successful libraries continue to celebrate books, learning, and community in a rapidly changing world.
Agenda •
Introductions
•
Collaboration: The Process and Participants
•
Case Study: Byram Shubert Library
•
Case Study: Darien Library
•
Final Thoughts
•
Questions and Discussion
Collaboration: It’s Not Just a Buzzword Presented by: Peter Gisolfi, AIA, ASLA, LEED AP pgisolfi@petergiolfiassociates.com 914.478-.3677
Michael Tribe, AIA, LEED AP mtribe@petergiolfiassociates.com 914.478-.3677 x345
Jane Marsh j1marsh@optonline.com
Alan Kirk Gray agray@darienlibrary.org 203.669.5224
Caroline Mandler Lopez clopez@darienlibrary.org 203.669.5231