library renovation
Renovating a library challenges the traditional methods most people are accustomed to. The Kent State Salem Library needed a transformation to revitalize and evolve the space. Evolving parallels learning in the way that both “develop by natural processes to a higher state” (Dictionary.com). Each action approaches change in a gradual way. Learning, nor evolving, is instantaneous, rather a step-by-step development and consistent progression. Specifically choosing the gerund, evolving, versus the noun, evolution, expresses the nature of non-stop activity in the space. The evolving nature of the library is expressed through forms inspired by the actions of lava lamps. As the mixture inside the lamps fluctuate with temperature, they begin to expand and rise, changing their shape and density. This inspired the organic, and sometimes unpredictable, forms found throughout the library.