The progress of the design of Aloha Community Library Association will be documented here and open for comments. Check in periodically, we’d love to hear your input on how to better your future community Library. Thank you.
Designer Kent Wu
Kent Wu, a designer, is volunteering to process community input and design the library that is suitable for the space and community. Kent grew up in Beaverton and currently lives in Aloha and is committed to making a difference in his community. Kent graduated from the University of Oregon in Architecture in 2011. Kent also volunteers with Architects Without Borders, and is currently enrolled in Portland State University studying Real Estate Development. To learn more about him, visit his website.
Designer’s observations of the Open House
Open House
Kent Wu, designer, put together interactive material for community members to respond to and met and discussed potentials features of the library with attendees. This is a summary of his reactions from comments collected and observed from the open house on December 2, 2011 at the storefront. If you weren’t able to make it to the Open House, Kent welcomes your comments on how the library should feel and be used.
Process
This is a summary of reactions, comments collected and observed from the open house on December 2, 2011 at the storefront. The ACLA first value statement, “We offer our residents a safe, welcoming place to study, research, work, relax, and conduct meetings and interact with others of all ages and cultures.” According to unscientific survey, that statement is spot on. There are significant desires to be connected with WCCLS, accommodate a Large/open social space, a place to access the internet (Wi-Fi) or desktop computers, a place for children’s and young adults.
Method- attendees were allowed to mark their top three wish list items, and use sticky notes to point out space preferences. See Photos. Wish list items and image board comments were tabulated and sorted into major categories.
Click the images to enlarge:
Results
Major Spaces
Description of each major spaces
Large/open Social Space
A place for Reading clubs/ music events/ presentation
Considering how many people showed up to the open house, it’s not a spatial limitation, but a programmatic limitation. These events might be after hour events (events could be fundraisers). Focus on space flexibility and/or space maximization.
Operations
A place to donate/ sell books “friends of the library”
A front desk, with behind the counter storage for holds and limited sorting operations
Try to accommodate FUTURE integration with WCCLS as seamlessly as possibile
Studying/ Reading
Relax, alone, in groups and tutoring
Comfortable seating types, Lounge spaces, work table spaces
Technology**
Computer/ and Internet access
- Wi-Fi a must
- Laptop checkout? FUTURE
*surprisingly not as many people responded to this as anticipated but I suspect that it’ll be in high demand considering much of ACLA publicity is via Internet and reaches only people who already have access to computer and technology
Children
Place for Story time
-Low shelving
Young Adult *
*need more information
Assuming:
-a place to study alone or with friends
-Access internet and computers
-a pit-stop after school and before they go home
Next Steps
Other Thoughts/ next steps for me…
*Enclosed meeting space wasn’t a notable request, also it would be difficult to accommodate.
1) Questionnaire for Librarians
2) My hope is to have 3 designs concepts to encourage discussion. The Hall, flexible open space, The Lounge Space, a unique reading and studying experience, and The Eclectic, Aloha’s reading room.
Design Principles & Schemes
After collecting preliminary responses from the community, I developed two very different schemes to further the discussion of what kind of library Aloha wants and needs. I developed some design principles because the likelihood of having much of the furniture donated, the library will have to arrange its furniture in a thoughtful way that can accommodate the Libraries needs.
If you have and comments please let me know. I will have these on display at the next public event and will be open for comment.
Design Principles
Click to enlarge.
Scheme 1: The Step
Concept: A unique space for children story time and young adults to study, interact and read.
Notable Features
-Iconic Design element
-Children’s reading den
-Exposed trusses and mechanical illusion of a loftier space
Cost implications and Drawbacks
-Custom built-in steps might be costly
-By exposing the trusses new lighting fixtures may be required
Book capacity: approx. 5000
Computers: 6-12
Workspaces: 8
Click the images to enlarge:
Scheme 2: The Hall
Concept: A flexible collection and work space that converts into an event space after hours.
Notable Features
-Flexible space for after hours events
-Living room style lounge
-Clear sight lines
Cost implications / Drawbacks
-Low circulation capacity
-Reasonably affordable, with furniture and technology donated
Book capacity: approx. 2000
Computers: 4-8
Work spaces: 12
Click the images to enlarge:
Final Design
The design is a combination of synthesis of the comments I’ve heard over the course of the 4 months, through conversations and mock-ups with Ann Sindelar-Trahin, Douglas Hoy, the Aloha community, Volunteers and other Board members at meetings and in the store front space.
Below are images of the synthesized design.
Aloha Library Project update 8-3-2012