The Globus Design Associates Blog

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Creative Library Interior Design Makes a Difference

There is an increase in media coverage about libraries recently with the advent of Architectural Record's spotlight on libraries and a public library winning one of Metropolis magazine's Smart Environments awards.  Using the stories to take a quick pulse on the state of notable library design shows the contribution good interior design can make.

Take, for example, the lobby of Minneapolis' Roseville Branch Library, a winner of the Metropolis contest compared to the lobby of Amsterdam Library, Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam. For context, the Roseville Branch Library is a renovation and addition unlike the Amsterdam Library which was a new construction. The Roseville Branch Library earned a LEED Gold rating.  Although Europe is decades ahead of the US in green building principles, it is unclear which were employed in designing the Amsterdam library.

Similarly, the two facilities contain dramatic two story spaces dedicated to materials display and browsing with clerestory windows, natural light, indirect lighting and white walls.  Given a similar "shell", compare the results of the interior design of each space.

 
Roseville Branch Library  Metropolismag.com Lara Swimmer
 
Openbare Bilbliotheek Amsterdam Photo:arkitip.com

Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam.  Photo: Shelley Berstein

The  interior design of the open, semi-circular materials displays for the Amsterdam library creates pockets of intrigue which invite exploration in the Amsterdam Library. The Roseville Branch Library display fixtures are visible at a glance.  Decorative pendant lighting and column mounted sconces  avoid washing the space with a uniform, flat light and mimic the highlights occuring in nature. The furnishings, floor plan and lighting in both spaces create a significant impact on the library user's experience. Which space would you prefer to use?

How to add Quiet Space into an Existing Library Interior

I was checking an installation of of custom casework my firm designed for the Jefferson Public Library the other day when a library user began talking to me about the library.  I asked her what she thought the biggest change was in the library's new  design and she said that now she could find quiet spaces within the open plan.  Because one of the program requirements for the redesign of the library was to create quiet space within the existing public space, I was happy to hear she thought we achieved the goal.   Here is how we did it.

1. Carve out space in book stacks.

Before Photo: Valerie Mangan

Shifting rows of book stacks like those shown, above left, can yield some floor space in between the ranges.

After  Photo: Suzan Globus

The tall book stacks create a natural sound barrier and element of privacy for the people using the carrels and table in the newly created quiet study area, above.  Because the interior design program included a sustainability component and a fiscally conservative approach, we reused as much of the existing furnishings as possible.  We keyed the floor plan to the existing lighting and power drops to avoid additional electrical costs which the library was unprepared to address at this time.

2.  Consolidate book collections, particularly the young adults materials.

Before Photo: Valerie Mangan

The majority of the young adults collection was located behind the tall periodical shelving, above left.  The graphic novels display, left of center, was not adjacent to the teen area.  Teens tend to travel in groups and can be perceived as disruptive to other age groups of library customers, so consolidating teen services and collections tends to reduce noise.

After  Photo: Suzan Globus

Carving out a corner, to which teens tend to gravitate, reshelving the collection to provide easy access to young adult books and computers and adding some appealing seating in flexible arrangements helps to create a space where teens want to linger.

3. Locate high traffic materials near the library entrance.

Before Photo: Valerie Mangan

Previously, the reference area, far left above, was adjacent to the library entrance.

Before Photo: Valerie Mangan

Those seeking to do on-line research or work quietly on a laptop at a carrel, above, could easily be distracted by noise from the foot traffic through the nearby front doors.

After  Photo: Suzan Globus

Designing a browsing area with new materials, periodicals, digital media and comfortable seating near the entrance keeps the sounds of the quick, casual visitors segregated from those seeking quieter surroundings for longer stays at the library.

 

Green City Initiatives - Lessons from Denver

During a quick trip to Denver, CO, I was impressed by some simple sustainability programs that make the city more accessible and enjoyable.

Leaving the Newark terminals behind. Photo: Suzan Globus

Landing in Denver. Photo: Suzan Globus

Although Denver is home to some progressive interior design like the multi-use lobby of The Jet Hotel

The Jet Hotel lobby.  Photo: Suzan Globus

which transforms into the Jet Bar at night when the draperies get fastened to the columns,

The Jet Bar.  Photo: Suzan Globus

I was more interested in city planning than facilities.  Here is what makes green Denver work well:

1. A pedestrian mall that transverses a mile long retail district.  Free service on hybrid, accessible buses that run frequently 20 hours a day. Photo: Suzan Globus

2. Public art installations, adequate lighting and lush landscaping make the mall a pleasant place to be.  Photo: Suzan Globus

3. Street performers. I didn't get a chance to ask this musician if his performance was subsidized by the city. Photo: Suzan Globus

  4. Ample, well located bike racks.  Photo: Suzan Globus

5. Bikes available to rent and return to various spots around the city including the train station.  Rates range from a dollar an hour to five dollars a day.  Photo: Suzan Globus

6. Public buses with front mounted bike racks to accommodate cyclists. Photo: Suzan Globus