interior design undergrad thesis

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haptic reading experience

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TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENTS

5

PRECEDENT STUDIES

INTRODUCTION

Abstract The act of reading

ASKING QUESTIONS

SITE

EXPECTATIONS

PROGRAM

CODE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

TIMELINE

BIBLIOGRAPHY

6 7 Schmidt Hamer Lessen Ora-ïto

8-12 13

Questionnaire Interview

14-15 16-17 Client’s profile 18-19 Client’s goals 18-19 Designer’s goals 18-19 Site analasis Floorplans

20-23 24-25 Program 26-31 Adjacency matrix 27 Code analysis 32-34 Univeras design 35 Feasability study 36-37 Timeline

38-39 Qestionare Bibliography

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

40 41

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION Reading is an essential component of education and is a haptic experience1,that involves a physical as well as mental process of comprehending words and symbols. Nowadays, we can distinguish two major ways in the way we read: analog reading2 and hypertext reading3. Both have the same function, to provide written context that can be followed through the process of reading. Nevertheless, we read differently when we read a digital text, compared with when reading print. Not only does the medium change, but the languages of communicating an idea itself become different. Also the way we perceive and respond to these mediums of delivering knowledge have to change, as well as our habits.

Adjusting to these methods requires not only mental adaptation, but physical too. Subsequently the reading environment has to be adaptable to this process.

THESIS QUESTION This thesis aims to answer how interior design can take an active role in building a haptic reading environment and push it further so that people can use the architectural framework as a ground to better engage in the activity of reading.

AREAS OF EXPLORATION

Areas of exploration include defining the act of reading, as well as researching about the process of how an individual obtains knowledge from different sources. Interviews and questionnaires should provide additional data about reading habits, as well as obtaining further knowledge in the field of programing and future space-planning. To investigate existing solutions within borders of this thesis, precedent studies will be included. Finally, the selected site proposal will be presented and analyzed.

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man’s mind can get both provocation and privacy.

Edward P. Morgan NOTES:

1 System of senses involving the sense of touch as well as the perception of the position and movements of joints and muscles that are often referred as kinesthetic senses.

2 Reading from a printed source.

3 reading from a monitor, including images, sound, or programs that are composed through links.

7 sense it could be compared to analyzing an image or a short video. The video has much more content that is added. This is a positive aspect wen looking at the fact that we have more data and info available, but it also has a negative side which affects the reader’s concentration. Links and other visual add-ons have the tendency to distract. On the other hand reading a book can be heavy to hold and uses more storage space. Nevertheless, it can be easier to skim through or underline certain parts on a printed medium.

The third aspect that is connected to reading is the reader’s interaction with the source. This starts from flipping pages to clicking a mouse-button, a touchpad or other inventions that might appear in the near future. These medium affect what kind of a bond the reader gains with the reading source. A motoric action of flipping a paper page is very different from an electric impulse that a finger causes by electric discharge which then results in a display change on a cold touch pad. It also creates a strong perception in interface preference that can be compared to any preference, like the preference of writing with a pen or pencil.

Reading is often perceived as making sense of coded symbols representing thoughts. Although this definition is true, it misses an important aspect; reading is a multisensory activity. Creating a perceptual cognitive bond, as well as an action that involves motoric interaction. Reading requires the application of body and mind. It is not a task involves merely recognizing letters from a page. To read means to have reading habits like the position which one prefers, or even how one memorizes the essence of the text. Some people concentrate and memorize better by underlining important aspect of text. Some people make notes while reading. Others are used to being in a certain position when reading. This could be lying down, sitting down, walking or listening to music when reading. The conclusion is that sitting down behind a desk and reading a book may not be a routine that everyone practices. Because most of the libraries do not take these idiosyncrasies into account a majority of people has a

hard time focusing on the written word in a library. To further illustrate the importance of space that is adaptable to a user it is useful to remember that materiality of a book matters as much as the smell of a freshly printed book. The comfort of the chair or bed where we read affects how many times we turn around when reading, which results in the time we spend reading.

Another key aspect of reading is reading from different sources. Through technology we have the ability to choose between reading hypertext or printed text. This adds to the reading complexity. According to Anne Mangen, who wrote a journal about Hypertext fiction reading, reading from a digital medium will not only affect our habits in reading, but also the way we understand and memories that text. Because hypertext contains layers of links, sound, video images or programs it presents a different language in terms of reading. In a metaphorical

In the end all these aspects affect how the reader feels in a space. The interior designer’s main goal is to construct an interior environment which can seamlessly interact and bond with the user. Since we perceive our environment with visual and haptic senses, focusing on these senses will not only draw new readers in to the library, but establish a relationship between an existing user and space. The result will be an increase in returning customers who will have access to recorded knowledge.

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

PRECEDENT STUDIES

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PRECEDENT STUDY: Schmidt Hamer Lessen

About Schmidt Hammer Lassen

With more than 25 years of experience, Schmidt Hammer Lassen architects is one of Scandinavia’s most recognised, award-winning architectural practices committed to innovative and sustainable design. The practice has offices located in Aarhus, Copenhagen, Oslo, London and Shanghai.

They have established a reputation for creating structures that interact within their urban context. The integration of daylighting systems as well as user oriented design are an integrated parts of their design process.

Their large portfolio of designed libraries and cultural centers make them an interesting precedent study source. The buildings described on the following 3 pages are a part of their legacy. My interest is to learn from the images what kind of design decisions they have made in creating a space that better suits the user and how they have incorporated haptic senses in the project.

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

PRECEDENT STUDY: Schmidt Hamer Lessen

Architect Schmidt Hammer Lassen architects Client Danish Ministry of Culture Area 21,000 m² new build 7,000 m² conversion Construction sum € 49 million excl. VAT

The Royal Library is with its clean-cut lines and glittering polished surfaces one of the most significant architectural landmarks on the Copenhagen waterfront. Clad in black granite, the extension to the Royal Library is known as The Black Diamond.

Situated in the historic heart of Copenhagen, the extension marks a radical shift from traditional library structure and accommodates a range of cultural facilities. Open and essentially democratic, the building includes scientific and literary institutions, exhibition rooms, a bookshop, a café and a restaurant, as well as a roof terrace and a hall with 600 seats for concerts, theatrical performances and conferences. The extension has doubled the library’s overall size. The open shelves can accommodate more than 200,000 books compared to the previous capacity of 45,000 books. There are six reading rooms with a total of 486 seats.

The new library has seven storeys plus a basement. The solid black cube is divided in two by a vast glazed atrium housing the majority of public functions. This central space, affording panoramic views over the waterfront, also serves as a significant source of daylight which is dispersed throughout the building.

The Royal Library has become an icon for Copenhagen; a prominent, accessible and public focal point for the life in the city. The aim of the design was to create an informal meeting place for citizens in Copenhagen, students, tourists and restaurant guests. The dynamic rooms are crowded with people and filled with movement and life, and in a sophisticated way, the building connects the public and private areas. The purpose of the public space around the building is to create a natural meeting point for everyone in Copenhagen.

Looking at the interior design from the aspect of haptic senses the first thing that catches my attention is the use of the vertical space. The glass and railing add to the vertigo experience in the library. Also the simplistic feel to the space is one way to design a space that does not draw to much attention when one is occupied with reading.

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PRECEDENT STUDY: Schmidt Hamer Lessen

Architect schmidt hammer lassen architects Client CVBA Waalse Krook Area 22,175 m2 Construction sum Approximately â‚Ź 54 million excl. VAT Competition 2010, 2nd place in international competition

The Library proposal is contained within a bold sculptural building; a building that is modern in its volumetric appearance yet with strong reference to local scale, materials and spirit. The new building has been carefully sculpted to adjust to the scale of the surroundings ensuring the creation of open, high-quality public spaces around the building edge. The interior is light and open and the spacious double height agoras ensure visual connections between the floors and bring daylight deep into the building.

Although I was not particularly interested in the interior of this building, because it seems unfinished, I found the responsive facade of the building, as well as the context in which the building is placed in, very interesting.

The glass facade seems to be composed out of interactive tactile glass panels. Taking this concept further into an interactive interior the whole surface could become a medium to interact with readers.

The building also creates a dissonant focal point in the streets of Ghent. Nevertheless, in means of urban planning it interacts with its environment through form and orientation.

Status Competition proposal

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

PRECEDENT STUDY: Schmidt Hamer Lessen

Architect schmidt hammer lassen architects Client Nordic Council of Ministers, Greenland’s Home Rule and Nuuk Municipality.

Area 4,800 m² Construction sum € 12 million excl. VAT

Inspired by Greenland’s dramatic scenery of icebergs, snowfields and mountains, the main element of the building is sheathed by a floating, undulating screen of golden larch wood. This second skin lends the scheme an elegant airiness, creating a contrast with the solid form of the core building. The screen acts as an architectural metaphor for the Northern Lights, whereas the dark and massive form of the main building is reminiscent of the icy mountains of Greenland. Daylight streams into the large foyer through roof lights and narrow oblong glass slits in the external screen.

What draws my attention the most is the way the interior is able to reflect the urban environment through color, form and texture. Although simple and subtle the connection is very present, without being too lateral.

The use of texture adds a tactile touch and focal point to the space.

PRECEDENT STUDY: Ora-ïto

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French artists Ora-ïto’s created this Wallpaper/Reebok exhibition in London. This interesting wall installation composed entirely of the natural acrylic stone, which is produced by Candido Hermida, is made of Hi-Macs®, a cuttable, thermo-formable, stone-like bauxite/acrylic mix, chosen for its ability to offer one unbroken, seam-less sheet for the 3m-wide work, and with the strength to take the considerable weight. The material was chosen for its thermoforming capabilities that allowed the artist to work without restriction to create this stunning, 3D creation. According to the artist, the visual and tactile effects of sculpture’s surface are a representation of the “iconic sneaker soles” of the Reebox RealFlex shoe.

HI-MACS® is the New Generation of solid surface. It is composed of 70% natural stone powder derived from bauxite, 25% high quality acrylic resin and 5% natural pigments.

Designed and produced by LG HAUSYS, a world technology leader, it is distributed across Europe from LG Hausys Europe headquarters in Geneva.

It is a product of highest quality, and is inert and ecological. Its versatility allows users to mould and transform their ideas into reality with possibilities far beyond those offered by materials traditionally used in the world of architecture and design. The most prestigious groups have adopted this product which adapts to the most demanding needs with its extraordinary characteristics; it is completely non-porous, has the highest level of durability and thus does not lose its colouring. It also has uniform thickness, allowing for perfectly imperceptible joints!

Easy to fabricate, HI-MACS®, with its excellent thermoformability properties, lets you adapt the material to the desired shapes and to create a range of designs that is nearly infinite.

HI-MACS® is used by the most prestigious companies, and many well-known architects and designers such as Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel, David Chipperfield, Ron Arad, Marc Newson, Elke Delugan Meissl and Joaquín Torres. Some of the most notable projects made out of HI-MACS® include the Prado Museum and the Hotel Puerta América in Spain, Leonardo Glass Cube and the Porsche Museum in Germany and the Zara flagship store in the Westfield Shopping Complex in London, UK.

This wall section is a great example of a plane that has been transformed into a highly tactile surface. The pattern is not only extruded, but the extrusion itself has volume that creates a new dimension. Another aspect that is relevant to a library is that it is very visually pleasing, but not distracting, because it lacks color. zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS ANALysis

Gender: Age:

Nationality:

Female: Male: 18-25 25-30 30-50 50-60 60-70

37 16

24 12 10 6 1

American

9

Austrian

1

Bangladeshi

4

Bosnian Canadian Croatian

3 2 2

Egyptian German Indian

6

Lebanese Pakistani

3

Qatari

8

Sudanic

2

Swiss

1

4 5

3

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Most of the individuals who participated in the questionnaire were students: 8 studying politics, 10 engineering, 3 medicine, 2 business and 13 arts. The rest of the participants consisted of 2 teachers, 4 engineers, 1 securityguard, 4 Qatar Foundation employees and 6 librarians.

After basic demographic questions, the second section of the questionnaire consisted of questions connected to senses. Most of the people (42) wrote that we have 5 senses, while 5 wrote that we have 6, 3 wrote 7 senses and 2 wrote 8 senses.

The next question asked the participants to choose one sense that they think they use the most. Almost all participants (48) answered this question with the sense of vision. 3 people wrote that they use the sense of hearing the most, and 2 thought they use the sense of touch the most. This question did not contain any surprise, since most people do rely on the visual sense. In the modern world we are safe most of the time; therefore, we do not need to pay attention with all our senses.

Adding to the previous question, the following one tried to find out if people believe design is an activity that involves mostly the visual sense. Although, the answers were not surprising; they were somewhat disappointing, all participants answered with “yes.” It was disappointing because these answers point out that most people take their ability to work within the environment for granted. They believe that they can rely only on the sense of vision to navigate, understand and react. They often forget that a designed object has a texture, mass, ductile properties and temperature that make it unique. These properties cannot be explored only through vision.

The third and final part of the questionnaire was targeted towards finding out about people’s reading habits, preferences and opinions about libraries. All participants preferred reading books compared to hypertext sources. This was no surprise at all, since most people are able to read printed text faster and concentrate better.

The position in which they read varied quite a lot, ranging from laying down with their feet upwards, to reading behind a desk. Although everyone preferred a different position, there was one thing in common among all participants. When people read for pleasure they preferred a different position in which they read, than when they had when completing a task through reading.

Other questions were fairly basic, investigating reading preferences and habits. 45 people preferred reading fiction or some other sort of literature that conveyed a story. 6 preferred reading newspapers and 2 liked to read scientific literature.

The average time spent reading varied from person to person, but was often connected to their profession. Librarians spend most time reading, followed by professors and students.

People whose work did not depend on reading or writing did much less reading.

Library visits also depended heavily on one’s profession. Students mostly visited libraries when they were handed out new projects, some individuals spend almost every day in the library, if the library was nearby, While people who did not work for an educational institution, but

for an office rarely visited the library.

Regardless how often people visit the library, none of the participants in the questionnaire believed that libraries are outdated. Everyone was convinced in their need and contribution to education. Although we can get most of the books online and read it home, what draws people to libraries ( according to this questionnaire) were mostly the librarians, who can always assist and recommend literature. Libraries are also considered places that are dedicated to scholarship outside of classrooms. Also the availability of a larger quantity of literature that visitors have at hand, without having to purchase the items is another reason people found libraries crucial.

To understand what would people prefer in and within a library, the last question asked for input of the participants. Although all suggestions were important, the ones that could be implemented through interior design were the goal of this questionnaire. Obviously the collection of a library is never enough, since people seek for more, but availability of socializing areas was mentioned often. Also the availability of equipment such as computers and printers in a higher number than it usually is available was important to some individuals. One participant believed that the misperception of libraries as a warehouse for books is a significant problem. He thought that libraries need to be a place for education that accommodates different learning styles. A very important aspect was also the comfort of the furniture.

They felt that a variety of different furniture needs to be present that can adapt to people’s needs and reading habits.

To summarize the results of the questionnaire, individuals who participated in it looked for a reading space that will, first of all, adjust to their personal needs. Especially furniture and lighting need to be adaptable to different needs and usage. They also were in favor of a space that allows for social activity as well as private space. Multifunctional areas that can be adjusted to new needs in the future are important as well as a spaces that people can create a personal bond with. Although the availability of hypertext is significant, all participants agree that the focus needs to be on books, so they can sit down or laydown and enjoy the physical properties of the written sources. This is why the implementation of haptic systems, within the design, is crucial. People favored objects and spaces that they could touch and feel.

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

Name: Ahmed AL-Naggar Profession: Facilities Coordinator of Central Library (Doha, Qatar) What are some basic planning steps for a library?

To build a new library you first need the need for a library. When this first step is established some alternatives are usually proposed. Perhaps there is an existing library that can be adapted to our needs and we can build an extension. This is sometimes the most cost efficient way to approach this. Another possibility is to purchase a building that could be renovated and adapted to our needs. If none of the mentioned solutions is doable, constructing a new building is the only solution.

The second part is the actual decision to build. First all the legal concerns have to be established and solved. Then a consultant is usually hired who will do the library programing.

Establishing a timeline is another task that falls into this second part.

The third part usually consists of a community analysis. This is a very important part and it includes some general characteristics of the population, demographic analysis, cultural habits, history of the community, relationship to the educational community, and population growth. The future needs and trends are also important, since they dictate how successful the library will be in the future.

Interview

The fourth part is a written building program, where the objectives of the library are pointed out, as well as requirements for standards such as ADA requirements. When the future goals of the building are assessed the actual space programing takes place. These are some of the tasks of programing: Relationships of spaces, reference to the public and staff, utilizing flow charts, charts that set priorities for contiguous location of spaces… the most common way to organize programing is to go from macro to micro. When the above mentioned tasks are done we proceed with naming each space, describing it, finding out the occupancy level, resources that will be utilized, special features, list furniture and equipment and finally environmental considerations.

The fifth part is the development of financing. To cut it short all the building operation and maintenance costs have to be assessed in this part.

The other parts are connected to the architects, engineers and designers. I’m sure you are familiar with these steps so I do not have to elaborate on it.

To elaborate on the programing part would you be able to tell me what spaces are important to consider when designing a library?

To do that, I would like to group the spaces by their purpose. Firstly, we have to find out what kind of library this is. What literature will it contain? If it is a heritage library that contains original documentation that needs to be preserved the library will look completely different from as student’s library. First of all, not everyone can have accesses to such a library. Security and safety measurements are crucial in such a library. We need to know who is in the library and when. Also, the importance of the collection dictates how the documents will be kept. The fire detection and prevention system will be much more complex and expensive than it is the case in student libraries. (In the following few minutes we discussed how that firefighting system looked like).

To discuss the needs for a national library we can start from the entrance. The entrance and exit are a very important factor. They provide visitors with the first impression, as well as the last one. This is also the place where security must be present, in one way or another. So a space between the actual library and the environment would be useful. Next we can look at the library itself. We can clearly divide this are into the collection department, public services department, IT department, and a technical department. The collection department deals with the collections and storage, so you might have a heritage department, a children’s department, youth department, educational department, adult department, or as many departments you need. This depends on the need of the community. The public service department is where the library serves its users. This might include spaces such as study rooms, instruction spaces, event spaces, open reading areas, closed reading areas, auditoriums, waiting areas, or other areas. The IT department is a quite easy one to figure out. Not all libraries require it, but since digital collections are playing a more important role every day, every new library that is

17 build needs to address spaces for IT, server rooms, surveillance rooms, or equipment storage.

The technical department is the last department that visitors rarely have a contact with.

They include stuff offices, emergency corridors, conservation rooms, restoration rooms, the HVC room and the control rooms.

How did the library change in the last 20 years?

The libraries have changed considerably. The digital sources have thrown everything around. Every library must be able to maintain a highway of cables and data traffic.

How do old libraries cope with these changes?

Well most libraries had to upgrade providing additional services. As you can imagine a digital library meant creating a new library within a library. The libraries that did not have the capacity had to either build extensions, or buy new buildings to accommodate for the new needs. This was not the best solution, since it creates larger issues on the run. But, if the libraries did not have a sufficient budget to build a new one they had to improvise.

Can you predict how the future libraries will look like?

I believe every library has to be adaptable. Libraries that were build 100 years ago, can still serve as libraries today if they were build taking this into account. We can assume that digital inventions will keep on coming. The iPad is a recent invention as well as the Kindle. They have become a serious substitute to the print version. Of course this was said when the PC was invented too, and it lead to an even higher consumption of paper. Therefore it is hard to say what a library or any other building will have to facilitate in the next 50 years. But, building spaces that can adjust and grow with the world is, in my opinion, the key for success.

Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?

Yes! A very important factor you should also consider in the design is sustainability. We have to please the client, which can be taken as a fact. We also need to consider alternatives to building and managing. By sustainability I do not mean to add everything that has the word green in it. But, systems that will have a positive purpose are important. Day lighting systems, for example, are great systems. They preserve a good condition of books, ad a pleasant ambiance for the visitors, and finally cut down costs on cooling and lighting the building interior.

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

CLIENT PROFILE & GOALS

Client’s Profile The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) is an institution founded by the Foundation 2003, for Development of Education Sarajevo and is situated in Sarajevo.

IUS aims to be a center of research and scholarly study which gives the best possible service to faculty and students, in terms of published material, academic journals, online databases and a comfortable study environment. IUS is committed to providing resources in order to meet, support, and facilitate the scholarly needs and intellectual activities of IUS students and faculty.

Since its establishment IUS has taken the lead in renovating the National Library of Sarajevo.

Their goal was to provide Sarajevo’s students and citizens with a center for reading and scholarly pursuits. The funding of the reconstruction has been developed through national funds but mostly through international donations. The largest donations have been made by shipping new books from universities such as Oxford, MIT and Harvard. The financial support was contributed by the Austrian government, as well as the governments of Great Britain, USA and Iran. As the reconstruction of the building shell (roof, floors, exterior walls) has been concluded, the last part of the project is to design a new building interior taking into account culture and the history of Sarajevo.

Client’s Goals The following guiding principles are requirements from the IUS for the build of the new National and Student Library in Sarajevo: • A civic landmark and a source of pride and inspiration for all residents.

• A centrepiece of the Capital District, contributing to the economic revitalization of the downtown and sparking cultural and learning activities.

• An accessible, bright, and welcoming destination for adults, youth, families and newcomers providing opportunities for civic and social interaction as well as quiet individual use.

• An environmentally friendly, sustainable building.

• A rich resource centre for knowledge, learning and personal growth.

• An asset to the branch libraries by providing resources which assist them in being more responsive to local community needs.

19 • An adaptable and flexible space that will be able to meet the changing needs of users and accommodate new innovative technologies and new demands.

• A resource supporting lifelong learning, professional development, and personal growth.

• A new approach to traditional library service reflecting developments in technology and different learning styles.

• A vibrant part of Sarajevo’s rich cultural, educational and civic resources.

• A welcoming environment where citizens feel empowered and enlightened by the provision of knowledge and their own learning experiences.

• An avenue of real-time access to collections and resources.

• An asset to the branch libraries in supporting their collections, service development and programming.

Designer’s Goals As an interior designer my goal is to create an interior space that will provide a comfortable hub for intellectual development of students and residents of Sarajevo. Vijecnica is and has always been a source and a landmark for its citizens. Large amounts of financial support have flown into restoring the shell of the building to its previous condition, improving on some aspects, such as day-lighting through the newly added glass dome on the rooftop.

My intentions are to develop a concept that will work with its context, further enhancing modern methods in creating reading environments. Building on the thesis parameters, I intend to focus on the haptic experience of the reading environment. Form, mass, color, texture and light are to be incorporated in this exploration of tactile sensations. This will generate a space that is memorable in a subtle manner. The library must also meet modern standards in safety, user friendly architecture and application of technology. The technological advancements should work with its content, creating a whole and unifying design instead of a fragmented result.

The final result should be an interior environment that emphases on educational and intellectual growth, providing a modern reading environment, in a setting that is filled with tradition and cultural values.

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

SITE ANALYSIS

LOCATION Sarajevo is capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its population is little less than half a million which also makes it the biggest city in the country.

The city has long and rich history that has been marked by many different cultures.

Having in mind this, Sarajevo and its inhabitants proud themselves with the traditional religious diversity, having adherents of Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Judaism coexisting there for centuries.

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Sarajevo is a city that encompasses the very best of both East and West and it is rarely seen anywhere in the world that Orthodox and a Catholic church, a mosque and a synagogue are found within easy walking distance of each other. The largest travel guide book and digital media publisher in the world, Lonely Planet, named Sarajevo as one of the top ten cities to visit in 2010.

The area of Sarajevo has been continuously settled since the Neolithic age. The most famous example of a Neolithic settlement in the Sarajevo area is that of the Butmir culture, from which unique ceramics and pottery designs were found.

The next prominent inhabitants of Sarajevo were the Illyrians who considered most of the West Balkans as their homeland.

In 9 A.D. Illyrians were defeated by the Romans who occupied the area of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Settlers who followed after Romans were Slavs in the 7th century. The modern city of Sarajevo as we know it today arose in the 15th century, after it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. In 1878, the AustriaHungarian Empire conquered Bosnia and Herzegovina and annexed it completely in 1908. Sarajevo was industrialized by Austria-Hungary, who used the city as a testing area for new inventions, such as tramways, and city lifghts, before installing them in Vienna. In 1914 it was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophia that sparked World War I, while seventy years later it became the host city of the 1984 Winter Olympics. Today the city represents a major center of culture and economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

SITE

Vijećnica is one of the most beautiful examples of pseudo-Moorish buildings. The style was introduced to Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austro-Hungarians, in an attempt to develop a “new Bosnian” identity. The inspiration was drawn from Spanish and African Islamic art. The building was designed by architect Carl Patch and the construction was carried out by two engineers: Aleksander Wittek and Ciril Ivekovic. Although, the construction took place more than hundred years ago, the structure is quite sustainable, even for modern codes, since it was constructed from native materials. Vijećnica was completed in 1896 and served as the seat of the city government until the end of World War II, when it became the National Library. Vijećnica suffered a great deal of damage in the recent (1992-1995) war. Over 90% of the books housed there were completely destroyed.

Currently it is being restorted to become once again the National and Student Library of Sarajevo. The building has 6862 m² space.

Because only the shell exists, this building is a great source for building my thesis. It allows a enormous amount of freedom when developing the space-planning. I can almost begin from scratch, or build on existing blocks.

Regardless, the context (outer shell of the building), as well as the location, dictate several aspects of the building. The beautiful and eye catching Islamic pattern and reliefs on the facade present highly tactile details that must be preserved, for visual but also cultural reasons.

Vijećnica is a fairly massive construction, consisting mostly of brick walls. It helps in keeping the interior warm during the cold winters, and fairly cold during the summers. Because all exterior walls are bearing walls, fenestration is not generously spread throughout the facade. This strongly affects the day-lighting, making the interior fairly dark. Therefore a glass dome was constructed and the core of the building is hollow allowing the dome to illuminate all floors. Regardless, the closed rooms are still dark, and this must be taken into account in the process of space-planning, and lighting design.

BUILDING

South Elevation

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The floor-plan of the National and Student Library has a triangular shape with, whit a large space in the center that reaches from ground-floor to ceiling. The library has 2 floors and one smaller cellar.

To support the weight of the floors and the roof Vijećnica is designed with a lot of columns that have been transformed into Islamic arches. The west wall supports the large staircase while two entrances are located on the other two walls. The main entrance is on the southern wall.

First floor

Ground floor

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

BUILDING PROGRAM

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PROGRAMMING

WC

General information: Libraries in Europe do not seem to have strict programing guidelines.

However, some guiding principles regarding to space-planning for interior design do exist. They are organized in such a way that they allow for modification an interpretation, so designers can provide accommodations for the needs and wants of the population and echo the character of its urban context.

The following guidelines for space-planning of libraries are: •Presence of collection spaces •User seating areas •Meeting areas •Spaces for special purposes •Non-Assignable rooms To assess the size of the library usually the number of existing books and other media devices is used. The collection size determinates the size of a minimum required space for book storage. The existing amount of volumes for Vijećnica is 150000 volumes. Following calculations are used to determine the size of the collection space: •The amount of books in the collection is divided by 25 •To determine the compact book storage, the total number is divided by 25.

•The total number of periodicals is divided by1.5 •The amount of computers is multiplied 40 •Workstations with seating is multiplied by 20 •Using an average of 2.8 m² per user gives establishes an average user space.

MEETING ROOM Caffee

Student area

Access services Lobby

ENTRANCE

Study rooms

Auditorium

Public area

Staff area

Adult area Collection area

Special Collection area

Children area Computer area

Storage Staff office

Maintenance

Security department

IT department

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

SPACE ANALYSIS

Computers

Technology

Arrival (loby) Staff

Computers

Access services Book Storage

Loby Acces Caffe

Information area Newspapers

Security

Adult

Group rooms

Book drop/pick up

Teachers Staff

WC

Seating

Maintenance

Coleaners

Staff

Managment IT

Librarians

Collection

29

SPACE ANALYSIS and adjacency matrix

Story telling space Information desk Elementary school collection

Children

Study rooms Computers

Preeschool collection

Staff

Collection

Teen

Staff

Computers

Adjacency Adjacency Adjacency Adjacency

less possible possible likely possible very possible

Lobby Access Services Printing room Centre for Technology Study Room Longue Story telling Room Computer Room Meeting Room Public Restroom Staff Office Security Office General Storage Server Room Book Collection

Socializing Group work

Study rooms

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

PROGRAMMING

Name

number

area

Total area

Furniture

Number per room

Electrical equipment

Lobby

1

85m²

85m²

Table Club chair Soffa

5 10 2

TV display speaker system Wifi router

Access Services

1

60m²

60m²

Front desk

1

Printing room

4

20m²

80m²

Table Chair

2 6

Centre for Technology

1

820m²

820m²

Table Club chair Chair Sofa Shelve

Study Room

4

70m²

280m²

Longue

3

100m²

Story telling Room

1

70m²

Number 2 1 1

Computer workstation Telepthone Printer Cash register Wifi router Computer workstation Printer Skener

2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2

30 10 30 5 35

Computer workstation Printer Skener Ipad Kindle TV 3D TV Projector Sound system Wifi router

30 4 4 10 15 5 2 2 1 4

Table Chair

15 30

Lamp Wifi router

30 1

100m²

Club chair Chair Sofa Table Shelv

10 10 5 5 5

TV display speaker system Wifi router

2 1 1

70m²

Table Chair

10 10

TV display speaker system Wifi router

PROGRAMMING

Computer Room

31

1

800m²

800m²

Table Chair

30 30

Table Chair

1 12

Computer workstation Printer Skener Ipad Kindle Wifi router

30 30

Computer workstation Printer Skener Telephone TV display Web-camera Projector Projector screen Sound system Wifi router

2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Computer workstation Printer Skener Telephone Wifi router

1 1 1 1 1

Meeting Room

2

50m²

100m²

Public Restroom

4

30m²

120m²

Staff Office

8

15m²

120m²

Table Chair Shelve Cabinet Pin-up board

Security Office

1

15m²

15m²

Desk Chair Cabinet shelv

1 2 6 4

Computer workstation Printer Skener Telephone TV display Wifi router

1 1 1 1 6 1

General Storage

2

100m²

200m²

Shelving

20

Wifi router

1

Server Room

1

10m²

10m²

Server

To be specified by IT

1

4000m²

4000m²

Total:

6860m²

Book Collection

Book case Chair Club chair Table

100 30 10 5

Lamp

110

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

CODES & UNIVERSAL DESIGN ANALYSIS

Code analysis General guidelines To design an interior space that will not only follow aesthetic concepts code standards have to be fulfilled. This includes an incorporated approach that achieves the highest quality of aesthetics in meeting International Building Codes (IBC) as well as universal design application.

Performance Measures and Functional Objectives The IBC must ensure the design supports quality based performance measures for customer satisfaction, energy consumption, and reduced operations and maintenance.

To the maximum extent possible, the IBC must apply those architectural elements that optimize building performance and functional capabilities. Because the National and Student Library is a historic building and was build when older codes requirements were applied performance and functional issues raised during the project’s design program and must be mentioned.

Environmental Sensitivity The natural setting of the site, its contours and vegetation, needs to be viewed as assets to be preserved and implemented into the design as much as possible. Also the design needs to adjoin historic properties, and are to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act (ACHP). If there is a clash between IBC and ACHP, it will have to be addressed in the design.

Urban Context Facility design should be consistent with existing and planned development patterns and nearby uses. The building’s interior should be consistent with existing local design guidelines.

Codes and Standards The codes and standards apply to IBC code regulations.

Energy performance and LEED requirements are also to be followed as long as they do not interfere with IBC and ACHP. The building is a public environment; therefore it will follow

33 basic American Disability Act (ADA) requirements.

Circulation

Public Spaces

The primary circulation links the building’s entrance/ exit and all public spaces. Secondary, circulation refers to other circulation leading off of primary circulation, usually inside the tenant’s space. The efficiency factor of both primary and secondary circulation types will be determined by core placement, depth, planning modules, and plan configuration. One concern for designing the interior of Vijećnica is going to be Egrass regulations. The design will follow guidelines as long as they do not interfere with the historic aspect of the building. Compromises will have to be taken into account, especially when we talk about corridor length and width. In terms of areas of refuge and other safety measures, the design will follow IBC guidelines as closely as it can. Access to the building exits must be maintained from public areas (e.g., elevator lobbies, corridors) without having to pass through locked tenant spaces.

Another issue is the existing staircases, as they do not meet building codes. One staircase has historical importance, therefore if it cannot be changed additional staircases will have to be added or existing ones will have to be modified.

These are areas accessible to the general public, such as entrances, lobbies, atria and monumental spaces, stairways, elevators and their lobbies, escalators and their lobbies, and the permanent corridors at each level. Public functions such as child care, conference facilities, training rooms, auditoria, exhibition halls, and dining areas should be located near the main lobby. Spaces accessible to the general public include entrances, lobbies, stairways, public elevator lobbies, and primary circulation corridors. For security reasons, public use spaces must be separated from access to other areas of the building during public events. Security design must allow access to spaces programmed for public use without compromising the secure access to the remainder of the building.

Entrance lobbies and atria are the focal point of the Federal building. They are the landmark to which all other spaces in the facility relate. They should be an extension of the exterior of the building and the point of transition to interior spaces.

These spaces have high levels of visibility and public use and warrant the highest degree of visual detail and finish. Integrate the exterior and interior building design in these areas.

Materials must relate and be of high quality.

Toilets

Office Space

The Facility Standard for the Public Services (GSA) states that distance from workstations to toilets must not exceed 61m (200 ft.). To the greatest extent possible, toilet rooms should stack vertically and share common chase partitions to maximize plumbing, maintenance, and operations. These guidelines will be considered in the final solution.

In designing office space, all aspects and decisions must provide long-term flexibility for future floor plan changes.

Open plans in office design are desired for reasons like: higher degree of efficiency and flexibility, provide easier distribution of natural light, heating, and cooling to the working areas, encourages interaction between individuals and work groups.

On the other hand, an open plan approach provides less acoustical control, less visual privacy, and less environmental control than closed offices.

Electrical Closets Electrical closets are falling under safety concerns. They will be stacked vertically and located. Secondary, closets off permanent corridors may be used for receptacle panel boards where the distance between the riser and the farthest workstation exceeds 45 m (150 ft.) and a separate riser is not warranted.

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

Code analysis

Mechanical, Electrical, and Communication Systems

Special Requirements

Mechanical, electrical, and communication systems must be integrated into the lobby design. Fixture and outlet locations, and forms, sizes, finishes, colors, and textures of exposed mechanical and electrical elements must be coordinated with all other interior elements. All systems will incorporate HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning regulations.

For library design following requirements take precedence over the requirements in NFPA 72 and the IBC: All fire alarm systems installed in buildings must be an emergency communication system when any one of the following conditions exists: – The building is two or more stories in height above the level of exit discharge. – The total calculated occupant load of the building is 300 or more occupants. – The building is subject to 100 or more occupants above or below the level of exit discharge.

The emergency communication system must provide an automatic voice message in response to the receipt of a signal indicative of a fire emergency. Manual control with the capability of making live voice announcements must also be furnished to provide occupants notification on either a selective or all-call basis.

With the exception of mass notification, a fire alarm and emergency communication system are not permitted to be integrated with other building systems such as building automation, energy management, security, and so on.

Fire alarm and emergency communication systems must be self-contained, standalone systems able to function independently of other building systems.

Fire Protection Systems Fire is one of the most prevalent threats to libraries, which store often irreplaceable items that are at risk from fire itself, but also from contamination by smoke and heat. Traditional fire extinguishing systems, which are water-based, can also cause irrevocable damage to library and archive collections.

Restoration or reconstruction following a fire can take years and drain budgets. The fire detection and suppression systems must be suited for libraries.

Advances in technology have reduced the possibility of a library collection being destroyed by fire. These include sprinklers, fire doors, freezers, alarms, smoke detectors, suppression systems, and emergency generators. Older libraries are usually converted by closing up air flow openings and installing fire doors, alarms and sprinklers.

Fire alarm and emergency communication system control equipment that is installed in non-high-rise buildings must be located within a room separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a one-hour fire resistance-rated fire barrier.

Flood Prevention (IBC) The section about historic buildings is important for this project, since it deals with the problematic of historically important building that have been built before present standards.

Although, the code regulations must not apply for these buildings, the buildings needs to follow flood hazard regulations since it is placed near a riverbed.

Conclusion The National and Student Library is a historical building.

Therefore, some codes can be compromised to preserve its historical values. However, codes that regulate crucial safety measures must be implemented. Fire-safety is one of the priorities, since this building has already been completely destroyed by fire. A fire detection and prevention system that will protect the collections is crucial. Other important aspects include EGRESS and ADA requirements.

35

Universal design

An important aspect of the proposal is the application of universal design. This building needs to be accessible to everyone. Therefore, the design has to encompass people who would have difficulties in passing through the environment.

The National and Student Library have two floors and a caller. The entrance encompasses a staircase too. Individuals who have mobility difficulties must be able to access all areas of the structure. Providing a system for this group of people will be a challenge, because of the building interior size, as well as visual interference of architectural components, such as elevators, with the historical integrity.

Following the American Disabilities Act (ADA) will help in constructing a space that provides reading environments to everyone. Because of the existing width of corridors Space planning will have to be adjusted accordingly, so traffic through the library can flow without obstacles, especially in cases of emergency.

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

FEASABILITY STUDY

37 Location In terms of location the national library would be located on the edge of the town, which might be a problem, since economy of transportation is affected. Citizens living across the city would have to travel through the town to reach the library. On the other hand the library is located in the heart of the old town which has a large historical background. In addition, its place provides a quieter surrounding than if it was located more west, away from heavy traffic and sound pollution. This is very important for a reading environment. The least reason for building the library here is that finding an area this large in the heart of Sarajevo would be very hard, and less cost efficient, since demolition of other buildings would have to take place.

Parking and drop-off area Another point regarding the libraries location is the lack of a parking and drop-off area. The National and Student Library is surrounded by open streets from all sides providing no space for a drop-off area. In addition, there are additional obstacles across all streets, making it hard to implement a parking area. On the south side, the river Miljacka is following the street adjacent to the library. On the east and west side buildings have been constructed right next to the streets. A possible solution would be to add ground in the river bed and extend the area around the south entrance. Also, the residential houses are fairly small and in a bad condition. They could be torn down to add a parking area. In addition there is a parking across the river and on the west side, before the park.

Building interior

Haptic design The main conceptual feature of the building revolves around the tactile sense. Through careful planning this will not add to cost. It will however attract visitors, which is beneficial for the library. Through the haptic treatment of space planning, finishes, furniture and light, it is expected to increase the number of returning readers.

Conclusion Some minor obstacles within the location do exist, but the mentioned benefits clearly overpower these negative aspects, visually, functionally and economically. The interior will face some compromises in either code obedience or historical preservation, but it will provide a space that will benefit the intellectual development and will reestablish a landmark. To build a reading environment here is more cost effective and will provide visitors with a more relaxing and quieter atmosphere than it would by constructing it in the center of the town. In addition, most schools are located in the old town, allowing student to walk to the library.

Finally, Sarajevo lacks a large library. There are a few small libraries, which are poorly equipped with collections and study spaces. They are outdated and in a bad a condition. A large collection of 100 000 books is just wasted, locked in a warehouse. A new reading environment that will satisfy intellectual needs of Sarajevo’s population and provide with up to date collections and technology is desperately needed.

Building interior The massive exterior walls are constructed out of brick, providing great insulation for the interior during the summer and winter. Structurally they are very strong, creating a good foundation for interior construction. The negative sided of this is that the walls do not provide with enough fenestration, which can also not be added, resulting in lack of daylight. A solution for that was built in the 70’s, with a large glass dome on the top. This provides enough daylight, if the middle part of the building stays hollow, otherwise, the first floor will not benefit from the dome. These are typical issues modern buildings face too; therefore it should not affect the construction. The construction cost might rise because of the opening in the building’s middle, but on a long-term basis, the massive walls will save cost for cooling and heating.

Fire safety The library suffered greatly from a fire in the past, therefore fire detection and prevention system will be crucial. This is probably going to be the most expensive part of the interior construction, but one that needs to take place for the safety of the people inside as well as the priceless collection of books.

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.

PROJECT TIMELINE

Research Programing Space planning

Adjacency study

month: week: day:

January 2

February 3

4

5

March 6

7

8

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1

39

3D visualization

Construction documents developments

Design fabrication Presentation design

April 9

10

11

May 12

13

14

15

16

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 34 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3

zlatan pejdah.thesis research. december 2011. ides 441 senior design seminar. prof: kevin woolley. virginia commonwealth university.