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.

conceptual sketch of lava lamp	lava lamp diagram
exploratory sketch To create a space that felt natural and organic, a random and flowing separation of space was sketched.	space diagram and circulation plan green - private, blue - public, dark green - both, purple lines illustrate organic circulation path
rendered furniture plan	rendered axon
entrance rendering User is greeted with custom graphics, and an organic shape that promotes the evolving nature of the space.	collaborative areas rendering Large group and small group collaboration areas with media connections to allow for flexibility. Separated into pod areas to reinforce the lava lamp concept.
bookcase seating rendering Custom bookcase and large volume chairs add visual interest, while the chairs also provide added privacy and acoustical properties.	private study area rendering Separated from the group work space, the private area provides multiple individual and two person seating for quieter working areas.

library renovation

conceptual sketch of lava lamp

lava lamp diagram

exploratory sketch

To create a space that felt natural and organic, a random and flowing separation of space was sketched.

space diagram and circulation plan

green - private, blue - public, dark green - both, purple lines illustrate organic circulation path

rendered furniture plan

rendered axon

entrance rendering

User is greeted with custom graphics, and an organic shape that promotes the evolving nature of the space.

collaborative areas rendering

Large group and small group collaboration areas with media connections to allow for flexibility. Separated into pod areas to reinforce the lava lamp concept.

bookcase seating rendering

Custom bookcase and large volume chairs add visual interest, while the chairs also provide added privacy and acoustical properties.

private study area rendering

Separated from the group work space, the private area provides multiple individual and two person seating for quieter working areas.