Research Brief

The purpose of my research will be to examine the design of libraries. This encompasses the architecture and interior furnishings. I am particularly interested in examining how libraries are using layout, space, light, colour and texture to create usable and inviting places that people want to be in.

Over the next 6 weeks of my blog I will be examining a different topic each week. In weeks 2 through 5 I will be looking at the design considerations for specific types of libraries. In these weeks I may choose to focus on a local example to look at what they have done well in terms of design.

Week 1 – The Past
Where have we come from with library design? What does a traditional library look like and what was it’s purpose? How has the traditional design of libraries influenced the public perception of libraries?

Week 2 – National and State Libraries
What are the design considerations for National and State Libraries? What is the role of a National or State Library and how does the architecture reflect this? How has the State Library of Victoria worked with it’s historic building to meet the needs of a 21st Century community?

Week 3 – Academic Libraries
What are the design considerations for an Academic Library? How do Academic Libraries meet the study requirements of students? How have the libraries of Swinburne changed over the lifetime of the University and how are they meeting the needs of students now?

Week 4 – Public Libraries
What are the design considerations for a Public Library? What are public libraries doing with their architecture and use of space to engage with communities around the world? How can space be used effectively to meet the needs of different demographic groups within the community without compromising the library user experience?

Week 5 – Specialist Libraries
What are the design considerations for a Specialist Library? How can limited space be used effectively? How does existing within a larger organisation affect the design of a Specialist Library?

Week 6 – The Future
Where is library design headed? How are new technologies affecting library design now and how will they affect libraries in the future? How are libraries around the world making themselves more sustainable?