Atmosphere

[BrianMathews]

We often hear that “atmosphere” is important for studying. What is the ideal atmosphere for group study? What type of atmosphere would you like to see on 2 West?

[kik]

Lighting fixtures is a must. Sitting arrangements and cubicles are too plain. A slight change in wall paint (choose warm color) and maybe some wall decorations will give a better atmosphere.

[dude]

ceilling tiles are a little funky at spots.

[AE]

I love studying at the library because it is NOT comfortable (as opposed to my room or dorm common area). It's hard to study for several hours when you're sitting on a couch or easy chair. I would hate it if 2nd floor west were to become another addition of Jazzman's or 1st east. I mean, I love the comfort 1st E brings to the library, but I would never study there.
Definitely make it more comfortable and aesthetically appealing, but try to keep the library/study atmosphere still intact.

[BrianMathews]

What suggestions do students have for making it more comfortable--- yet not too comfortable? What colors would you like to see? What type of art/displays on the walls?

[gburdell122]

[quote="BrianMathews"]We often hear that “atmosphere” is important for studying. What is the ideal atmosphere for group study? What type of atmosphere would you like to see on 2 West?[/quote]

Ideal atmosphere for group study is an atmosphere that is conducive to meetings of small groups (ie. table setups designed for 4-8 people, cubicles) while also making sure that these groups are provided in environment in which studying is easily accomplished (ie. reasonably quiet, adequate lighting, etc). Currently, 2 west meets these requirements, but in sort of a shabby way. Its like saying my 1968 ford f100 is conducive to getting me to work. Yes it drives me, but it also has a seat made of cardboard and no floor.


[quote="kik"]Lighting fixtures is a must. Sitting arrangements and cubicles are too plain. A slight change in wall paint (choose warm color) and maybe some wall decorations will give a better atmosphere.[/quote]

lighting fixtures should first and foremost provide adequate lighting for studying (and yes that means blaring bunches of watts). but thats not to say 2 west has to be lit exclusive hundreds of boring mercury filled tubes with no covers on them. modern times (see 1st floor computer cluster) has brought upon us the technical marvel known as the lamp (which can save energy by being turned off when not in use). as for seating arrangements, i would suggest adding a few circle/oval shaped tables to add some variety. However, i would keep in mind that my years of experience say that square/rectangle/boring seating arrangements tend to keep people better focused on work. as for cubicles being plain...well i don't know if i've ever seen any exciting/beautiful looking cubicles. But if you decide to stick with cubicles, I would consider getting them painted a very dark color though, as people seem to enjoy writing how much jodie/ashley/insertguysgirlsname is a slut and what not on them. and, wall paint really isn't my area of expertise. obviously warm colours are the oranges/reds and such if thats your fancy. I would go with just about anything except that bland urine colored crap thats on just about every interior of every building built prior to 1980.


[quote="AE"]I love studying at the library because it is NOT comfortable (as opposed to my room or dorm common area). It's hard to study for several hours when you're sitting on a couch or easy chair. I would hate it if 2nd floor west were to become another addition of Jazzman's or 1st east. I mean, I love the comfort 1st E brings to the library, but I would never study there.
Definitely make it more comfortable and aesthetically appealing, but try to keep the library/study atmosphere still intact.[/quote]

agreed, i think most people desire more of a study atmosphere for 2 west (as opposed to chatty time in 1st E, and sleepy time in 1st big screen area). As stated before, adequate lighting (ie. lighting that keeps you awake) and appropriate seating are a necessity. That said, theres nothing wrong with a paint job that doesn't make you want to puke, and seating that doesn't cause health problems.


[quote="BrianMathews"]What suggestions do students have for making it more comfortable--- yet not too comfortable? What colors would you like to see? What type of art/displays on the walls?[/quote]

never really thought about artwork on that bland ol 2nd floor. do we have any significant producers of student artwork? if not, just put those architecture chaps to work (they don't have enough to do) and tell them to make something cool that protrudes out of the wall or something. honestly, i think i would probably be studying and not really paying attention to the artwork as sad as that sounds.


On a side note, I would also strongly consider carpeting at least part of 2 west. Carpeting tends to make the area somewhat quieter. I know everyone loves the sound of squeaking chairs everytime someone gets up, but I think we could go without that. In addition, carpeting can slightly muffle some conversations keeping them limited to smaller areas. its not entirely necessary and there are plenty of arguments against it, but its just a thought.

[gtg945r]

I would keep all of the tables square. This is the best use of space and the most easy to study at.

I would update everything but don't forsake the utility of the library for this (and dont underestimate the value of the same design but new stuff). DON'T use the stylish soft back chairs and all of that (1 east and student center). Stick to a style that offers good support and a long life (so what it looks cool today, but give it 5 years and the new chairs in the student center will not look as good as the library's old wooden chairs).

Make sure every table has a power outlet. Do this in the cubes and with floating poles. Don't attach them as part of the table, havin the ability to move tables around is sometimes helpful.

I'm part time in my 5th year and barly use the library anymore. I spent a large portion of my first 4 years there (and not just right at finals like a lot of people). I'd hate to see the simple table and chair theme give way to somethin that looks like first floor east (even group projects never went quickly down there). Having a single social/work mixed space is nice (first floor east) but keep the rest of the library utility.

[akirby3]

I concur that it needs to be more modern than it is now, and more conducive to studying than the first floor lounge by jazzmans. I recommend changing the current feel that you are in a sea of institutional tables and cubicles. I think the individual lighting proposed earlier can help accomplish this by allowing people to feel that they are in a small area even when in a large room. Making 4 or 5 clusters of different types of furniture can help make people feel that they are not in a factory study farm but in intimate areas. for example a section of individual tables for single studying, a section of larger tables divided by cubicles, another without cubicles, and some that includes a couple of more comfy chairs. moveable walls/dividers could be an interesting solution that lets people adjust the privacy of the space to their needs while providing a place to put up projects (see architecture building for more inspiration on this). The area that overlooks the computer clusters could be set up like 'bar seating' for individual users.

Flip charts are handy as are power outlets for laptops. The entire library is lacking in power connectivity.