Library as Place - presentation 4

1. SECTION 3 VISUAL SCAN Reviewing a Library Building to give a practical perspective on the theory!

9. PLANNING DEFINITIONS PATHS EDGES ZONES NODES Introduction to the library content is essential. Provide orientation area to entrance Can be open or controlled, it determines speed of movement on pathways. POSITIVE FLOW – Enhances dimensionality, and openness, visual sequence. Lighting, sound, video, instant messaging, computer access points The routes along which people travel. Typical paths in the library buildings are the walkways which lead into information zones (books, information access). In the virtual library, these paths are connected computer networks, displays, and electronic interfaces. Open path = positive flow = Portal. The places where areas dissolve into one another. In a library building, the living edges consist of the spaces along the windows. Here, one can view the plantings outside. In the virtual library, the information edge provides seamless access to resources. It integrates email and the Internet’s vast resources into a local computer which is in a library “learning zone”. Moderate size areas that have a character. In a library building, users can identify physical areas such as Periodicals, Reference, and General Collections. Virtual zones are different. They provide access to the libraries “core collections” by delivering different ways of accessing, manipulating, structuring and visualizing information. Well-identify points that users travel to and from, often at junctions of important paths such as circulation and reference desks. These key intersections or nodes are available online or during library hours. FLOW ORIENTATION A. Cohen Associates, Ltd, 2006

11. SPACE QUALITY DEFINITIONS “ A” Space Window Wall, Corner, Wall Defined Zone, Defined Pathway, Acoustical Privacy, Good Lighting, High Ceiling (10’ +), Good Climate (HVAC) “ B” Space Corner, Wall Defined Zone, Defined Pathway, Acoustical Privacy, Good Lighting, High Ceiling (9-10’), Good Climate (HVAC) “ C” Space High Wall Defined Zone, Maze-like Pathways, Unsecured Private Zones, Mediocre Lighting, Medium Level Ceiling (8-9’), Questionable Climate (HVAC) “ D” Space Undefined Zone, Bad Acoustical Privacy, Poor Lighting, Low Ceiling (8’), Poor Climate (HVAC) A. Cohen Associates, Ltd, 2006

12. An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup. H. L. Mencken US editor (1880 - 1956)

13. Exercise #3 Discuss & consider the advantages and disadvantages of different library spaces