How I get an amazing Library every time

Designing a Library is a very unique process.  All building projects are relatively similar when putting them together, but Library design is truly a special process not common to your typical commercial building.  As I've said before, I went to Interior Design school at the renowned all-women's Brenau University in Georgia, to design homes - so I thought.  But I quickly learned that commercial design was to be my passion.  However, what was even more unexpected to me was that my specialty would become Library design.  

Now looking back, that totally makes sense.  I have ALWAYS loved books.  I own books from most genres and even some dating back over 125 years tucked away in an antique escritoire that I've had since I was a young teenager.  I spent countless hours in our local Library as a girl (that I would eventually grow up to re-design) searching for the perfect book but always leaving with 10 or more.  And now, just walking into a Library provides a sense of euphoria that I never take for granted.  So naturally working with Libraries on a regular basis was an obvious next step that I only considered once I was exposed to that specialized design niche.  And learning to kick off a Library design took practice that eventually evolved into my own personal technique that I would like to share with you today. 

STEP #1 - KNOW YOUR PEOPLE - KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS 

I always consider my surrounding community as well as the physical location of where my new or renovated Library is located.  Getting to know existing and future patrons and their preferences is crucial to providing a Library that meets all their needs.  I also take a look at the buildings and landscapes surrounding the new/existing location to make sure whatever we're creating functions well with everything.  In other words, you probably don't want a super chic and modern Library right in the middle of a predominantly traditional area with brick buildings and ornate architectural exterior details.  Nor would you want a heavy traditional Library right in the middle of a modern business and community park.  Make it work by knowing the people that use it most and the local culture. 

STEP #2 - IDENTIFY YOUR INTERNAL NEEDS AND WANTS 

I always sit down and create an environment for relaxed chit chat where I meet with my Library director and their team of decision-makers at the very beginning of every design.  We talk about what makes their Library work and what causes more harm than good.  I insist on a small group of well-informed staff members that really know the ins and outs of running their Library so that we aren't overwhelmed with too much information that may not be relevant to the final design goal.  I have them make detailed lists before we meet that cover each department and their overall needs that should be met.  They bring all the information to the table and we just talk.  This is how I get to know not only their Library needs, but also who they are as people so we can establish a good rapport in the hopes of building a very strong bridge of communication.   

STEP #3 - COMPILE INFORMATION 

Now that I have all the needs and wants sorted out, it's time to put together a document that breaks everything down into more precise details.  This is where we separate the absolute must haves from the potential options.  These can be added to get initial pricing and then value engineered (VE'ed) out at a later date.  But for now, I make sure to keep good notes and create a problem statement based on the info I've retained from my chat with the Library pros and their overall goals.   

*QUICK DESIGN TIP - The problem statement consists of writing out what the overall needs are and carefully laying out what needs to be improved about the space to achieve better function and aesthetics. 

STEP #4 - CONSIDER YOUR CONCEPT DESIGN 

Once I have all this information, my next step is to put together a concept statement.  This is a statement that takes my Problem Statement (or the QUESTION of the design) and supplies the ANSWER to the design problem.  This is going to vary from project to project obviously, but this is where you consider all that your client hopes to achieve and more specifically what they're lacking and create a response to those issues in a generalized design concept statement.   

For example, let's say your problem statement looks something like this: 

          "Our Library needs to function more efficiently and allow for more accessible areas for our patrons with disabilities.  The current finishes are outdated and over-stimulating in color.  The overall design is not cohesive and feels pieced together."   

Then, your concept statement might look something like this: 

          "We will maximize function and efficiency in our Library by rearranging our existing spaces to flow more smoothly from department to department.  We will make sure all patrons with physical disabilities will be able to access all public areas of the Library by creating a more efficient space layout.  We will apply a neutral color palette with natural textures and green and blue accents to create a more current appearance and give patrons a calming and visually appealing atmosphere." 

Mostly you're looking for a basic plan of action here.  You have a few ideas in mind on how to execute the design, but you haven't even begun to dig into the details.  It's that simple. 

STEP #5 - WRAP IT UP 

To finalize my jump-start phase of design (which is called Programming, by the way) I go over my initial budget and take a look at the potential schedule.  These are both ever-changing, very fluid moving targets, but it's important to know what kind of time frame you're working in and how much money you can spend.  This will help you keep things organized and in line as you progress through the entire design process.  Selecting finish materials and making decisions will be strongly influenced by both time and budget. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

So this is how I begin all my Library projects.  It's a great system and allows me to keep not just myself fully focused, but also the clients and anyone else involved.  Quick recap! 

1 - know your community 

2 - know your needs and wants 

3 - gather all the important info 

4 - write out your concept design statement 

5 - know your basic budget and schedule 

 Hopefully this will help you get organized when thinking about your own project, whether it's something you have planned for the very near future or something you're considering a little down the road.  I also hope this has generated questions for you.  If so, please reach out to me in my DIY Library Design Facebook group HERE and ask me anything you like!