Library redesign 101 starts with techno geometry lesson

Architecturally speaking, there’s a lot of geometry that goes into the design phase of a building plan – even our own Swain Library, as students in Mrs. Carroll’s class learned as part of a month-long project.
In order to meet the project criteria – such as room for 5,000 books, space for individual study, and even fire exits and other code specifications – students also met with Academic Technology Coordinator Sarah Ludwig and Facilities Director Jim Hunter 1980.

 

“At the end of the project (it concludes this week), the students will conduct a peer assessment followed by a presentation to me, Mr. Hunter, Mrs. Ludwig, and Mr. Dinkeloo,” explained Mrs. Carroll. “We asked students to look at the space in the library now and have them come up with a design that can better serve the community.”

 

Adding to the pragmatic nature of the project was a student survey that Mrs. Ludwig conducted to assess current library needs. Student responses were taken into consideration and included in the project criteria. There was even a four-item wish list, including a second classroom to serve as a meeting room or technology lab, of which students were required to incorporate at least two of into their designs.

 

Sophomore Tanner Fagan was busy fitting bookshelves into his plan. The wish list asked that all high shelving be removed in favor of wall shelving and lower shelving. Tanner noted that he was enjoying learning the technological aspect of the project.

 

“I’m really getting the hang of the Google SketchUp program,” he maintained.