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University of New Haven - Marvin K Peterson Library
Concept
Marvin K. Peterson library at the University of New Haven is a relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable space for students to study. The library is a building designed for students to complete work efficiently by offering a variety of study spaces to best accommodate different types of learners. From individual quiet study sections to large collaborative work areas and private multi-use rooms, the library offers a design that caters to each student’s needs. Aside from study areas, the library offers a multitude of technology resources such as printers and scanners on each floor as well as computers to aid students in completing projects. To make the space feel more secure and welcoming, a security system where a student ID is scanned is in place and secure storage areas are available for students to rent out. The interior is designed to be a calming space to reduce students' stress and anxiety. The use of natural colors and materials and adding additional windows and skylights provides more natural light and views to outside which aid in reducing stress and anxiety. Students who are less stressed overall, tend to perform better in school, making the Marvin K. Peterson library a valuable resource on campus.
Tools Used
Autodesk AutoCAD
Sketchup
V-Ray
Adobe Photoshop
Hand Rendering
Hand Sketching
Phase I
Research
University of New Haven students are future scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, forensic psychologists, doctors, engineers, programmers, attorneys, and scholars who before long will leave their mark on the world. To be successful in their studies, students work countless hours researching, studying, and showcasing during their time at the university. Students average 15-20 hours in class a week with even more time spent outside of class to study and work on a variety of high-level projects or research. This time working to meet schedules and deadlines is mostly spent in small congested environments such as a shared dorm room. Students work evenings and through the night to accomplish their set goals.
University Library Trends
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Based on biophilia and neuroscience studies biophilic colors contribute to reducing student stress and enhancing learning outcomes.
Plants and greenery help to reduce stress and improve calmness and wellbeing. In turn, this allows people to be more creative and focus on tasks for a longer period of time. Greenery can also help reduce the effects of noise pollution in a space. Additionally, plants can improve indoor air quality which can help reduce illnesses.
Exposure to bright light during the day to boosts mood, alertness, concentration and energy levels. Studies show that exposure to natural light improves student test scores, attendance and behavior
QUIET STUDY
The quiet study area gives students a distraction free zone where they can focus and get work done with minimal distractions. Individual quiet study spaces offer more privacy, which makes students feel more secure in a space that has a fairly open floor plan.
Private study rooms or small group study rooms offer an oasis away from other library distractions. Students are able to use all the library resources, but block out noise and other distractions to best focus on their work.
COLLABORATIVE STUDY
Collaborative study areas give students the flexibility to work in large groups or still work individually with other people around. Group work can make studying more efficient since everyone can pool ideas and offer diverse perspectives.
Phase II
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
Visual Inspiration
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