originally published at Medium on August 9, 2018.
In the age of today’s creative economy, students across schools and colleges are undergoing a transformation from homogenized-based learning into project-based, cross-collaboration process. As libraries are often utilized for studying and getting the work done, the function it needs to support is becoming more complex than ever. The traditional rows of carrels with most square footage reserved for archives are no longer the norm — the following strategies and examples taken nationwide identify the characteristics of library designed for the 21st century learning.
Bridge Traditional Learning Pedagogy with Today’s Changing Curriculum
The future of learning makes a dramatic shift from strictly traditional to project-based, cross pollination between various disciplines. It is heavily influenced by a multitude of factors: the Internet of Things, Digital Revolution, and democratization of learning. This results in great emergence of new learning space typology — makerspaces, innovation centers, and integrated science complexes. All is not lost, however, in the role of a library to support today’s incredibly connected learning. Libraries could strategically position themselves as a buffer between the need of physical space to focus and creative problem-solving areas collectively as a group. Students will continue to rely on libraries as spaces to do preliminary research, being the traditional hub of information resource and pockets of discovery. However, libraries need to evolve in such a way that more square footage is reserved for people to connect, and shrink collection zones in response to today’s ever changing learning methods.
The Allan Price Science Commons & Research Library at University of Oregon’s remodeling and expansion. Photo taken from Architect Magazine.
The Allan Price Science Commons & Research Library at University of Oregon, designed by Opsis Architecture serves as a great example of bridging the gap between maker culture and the need for research spaces. Due to the curriculum requiring every student to enroll in at least one science class, the University made a decision to downsize its Archives collection down to 25%, freeing up more square footage for student study spaces. This overall reduction of printed materials made way for more innovative learning zones, including visualization laboratory and maker spaces.
Create Multiple Ecosystems that Inspire Creativity & Innovation
The dynamics of learning become more varied than ever — there are needs for emotional connection between peer and faculty, creative confidence within each individual, but also creative tension to nourish the culture of critical thinking and problem solving. Students of the 21st century are required to think more critically while gathering knowledge at the same time, and to share their learning ethically as contributing members of the democratic society. As the industry continue to celebrate individuality and personalized learning, so do libraries need to respond to this trend by providing spaces that inspire creative, spark innovation, and support different styles of learning. Programming the library by understanding the modes of learning and studying will aid in students’ academic success. There should be a balance between spaces to work, relax, revive, pause, socialize, connect, focus, and collaborate. It shall maintain its innate nature being a tenant of institution, while blurring the lines between research, socialization, knowledge-seeking, and play.
Teconologico de Monterrey at Mexico, designed by Sasaki. Photo taken from the Architect’s page.
Tecnologico de Monterrey Library in Mexico designed by Massachusetts-based design firm Sasaki celebrates the importance of providing varied programmatic elements to support new ways of teaching and learning through use of multi-platform digital tools and commitment to society rooted in humanitarianism. The building provides outdoor terrace for university community to connect, as well as sheltered student plaza on lower levels to quiet, contemplative study spaces on higher floors. All of these are connected through a central staircase to promote social interaction and visual connection across different library zones.
Allow Seamless Transition between Space Design, Technology, and Furniture
Our internal research at Boston-based Architecture & Design firm CBT reveals the availability of supporting technology and furniture determine the success of future forward libraries. Today’s students are more mobile than ever — 50% of initial research is done by phone, and 25% using tablets. They prefer to situate themselves in seating that provide impromptu collaboration, movement, and exchange — 40% of college students surveyed shows their affinity towards high table tops over traditional carrels. However, they also demand spaces to huddle, with 40% of respondents expressed a strong need towards individual conference rooms that is acoustically separate from the rest of environment. Last but not least, an overwhelming 40% also enjoy benefits from having an exhibit space inside the library — areas where not only they can be inspired, but also showcase their ideas and therefore foster cultural exchange.
James B. Hunt Jr. Library, designed by Snohetta. Photo taken from the Architect’s project page.
The James B.Hunt Jr. Library at North Carolina State University, designed by renowned Norwegian firm Snohetta, is an exemplary of embracing the ever changing modern learning. Colorful, dynamic furnishings are strategically located adjacent to more traditional study rooms. Interactive digital surfaces deliver live feed information generated by the Library Resource team, and a dedicated Tech Showcase zone allows visitors to experiment and learn with students’ ongoing projects.
As learning in the 21st century is changing in a faster rate than ever, educational institutions often find substantial challenges in adapting and responding to influx of rapid transformation. Achieving the balance between creative architectural design, organizational ambition and sensitivity to student behaviors are critical, and will surely leverage both students and faculties’ potentials alike. It provides connection, opportunities to experiment, and embraces innovation culture and creative disruption.