Mansfield, PA
The University wanted to explore the possibility of decreasing the library from three to two floors, which would allow the building to take on other services, as renovations occur in its other buildings. Most importantly, the administration wanted the library to be better utilized with more collaborative environments and classrooms.
As with all libraries of recent, more collaborative learning spaces and additional technology was needed. Although the Library did recently receive some comfortable seating and other collaborative furniture, it became clear that a study was required. Mansfield University has had declining enrollments in addition to the current library layout hid many of the library resources such as a “mini-theater” from student awareness.
The study has provided the following Feasibility plan for the Library’s restoration and renovation:
• Collection reductions of the existing 200,000 volumes to 100,000 volumes will assist in opening up the library’s spaces,
• A lighter, brighter and more customer focused experience. There will be better sight lines and the 75 foot circulation desk will be replaced by multiple service points throughout the building. They will be adjacent to printers and recycling centers where they can be easily found and accessed,
• Restore portions of buildings that are currently closed. Window Infill’s will now be open and interactive by displaying new books.
• The community will further their strong usage. This is their library and will have better access to loner iPads, technology, The idea is that this is a more mobile space where people are moving from one space to another and see and be seen by their peers.
• Access to computers, have desktops on tables adjacent to printer access points
• 5 times more small group study spaces all equipped with technology, short-throw projectors, audio systems and hi-def video systems for MAC editing.
• Updating furnishing, finishings and infrastructure to be more conducive. Lighting and new HVAC Systems completed in phases.
During the building survey, we discovered two wonderful spaces in the attic that were not utilized. As there were no drawings, we utilized our 3D Laser Scanner to digitally capture the shape, measurement and inspection of contoured surfaces and complex geometries which require massive amounts of data for their accurate description. Our scanner quickly generates highly accurate point cloud scans to be effortlessly incorporated into a 3D Renderings or Drawings for multiple views. Our scanner affords Murray Associates to shorten project schedules while maintaining an extremely high level of accuracy. The existing Board Room will be modified into 2 smaller classrooms and the new board room will be in a new attic space. The other attic space will be an art gallery to allow the school to display student and community works in addition to traveling shows. The space allows more activity that is non- specific to collection, revenue generator and a fundraising or social venue.
