Project Description

KI

Temples of Knowledge and Community

As higher education institutions undergo profound transformations, libraries are at the forefront of redefining their roles as ‘temples of knowledge’ and community hubs.

StudioFYNN undertook extensive primary and secondary research to understand and define the key shifts occurring in educational and community libraries. Three white papers by Shaun Fynn were also published on KI’s website and can be downloaded on the following links.

1. Temples of Knowledge and Community, exploring the values of tradition, architectural statement and how libraries embody institutional brand identity as signature space.

2. Well Being, Community and the Third Space, covering issues such as gathering, regeneration, biophilic design, posture and place.

3. User Experience Drivers, covering subjects such as exhibit and share, vestibule, technology an discovery, materiality, partition and customization.

This research defined how the library is at the core of institutional identity and community mission, being a critical component of value and brand projection. The findings and synthesis also offered architects, designers, and space planners a framework for making college and community libraries more functional, flexible, and appealing with the goal to create vibrant, adaptable spaces that meet the diverse needs of tomorrow.

Services & deliverables:

– Primary (ethnography) and secondary research
– Logistics management
– Candidate and location profiling and recruitment
– Photo and video documentary
– User experience journey mapping
– Synthesis for business, marketing and design responses

Image above: Rauner Special Collections Library, Dartmouth College, designed by VSBA Architects and Planners.