top of page

YOUMedia Public Library

Project Description:
Create a YOUmedia Library space for teens focused on digital learning at one of the Milwaukee Public Library locations. The library has approximately 3,000 SF of space that will be the future home for this project. This space is where teens can hang out, get help with homework, play video games, experiment with design software, record music, & participate in a variety of digital media activities. Funding for public projects comes from a variety of sources: taxpayers, grants, & private donations, making it important to explore a design solution that balances the need to be cost-effective with a solution that meets the needs of the end user. To meet this objective, it is important to incorporate at least one design element in their space that uses a common, readily available, & inexpensive material in a creative way.


Project Requirements:
Service Desk (approx. 150 sq. ft.)
-Location of library staff, typically 1-2 people during busy hours.
-Visible from the main entrance.
-In a location that allows staff to have visual sight lines to the different zones in the space.
Library Shelving
-Minimum of 80 lineal feet of shelving for books as well as resources for exam preparation.
Computer Zone (approx. 300 sq. ft.)
-Minimum of 8 desktop computer stations..
Social Zone (approx. 350 sq. ft.)
-An area where teens can informally gather, socialize, relax, and work.
-Seating that allows for a variety of interaction – individual, small group, & larger group.
Lounge Zone (approx. 200 sq. ft.)
-A small, more intimate, lounge space with seating for 4-6 people.
Performance Zone (approx. 200 sq. ft.)
-Where informal performances can take place.
-Think how this area can be designed for daily use & then easily reconfigured & utilized for performances.
-Ideally, the client would like this zone to be adjacent to the Social Zone, so the two areas can be combined & used as one area when there are large gatherings.
Media Zone (approx. 400 sq. ft.)
-Needs to have the option of being enclosed for acoustic purposes. 
Recording Studio (approx. 150 sq. ft.)
-Recommended Room Ratio (Height=1, length=1.6, width=1.25)
Café (approx. 160 sq. ft.)
-Provide a sink, microwave, & a minimum 6 LF of countertop.
-Provide (2) vending machines, one for beverages & one for snacks.
-Provide seating for a minimum of 8 people.
Reading Nook (approx. 250 sq. ft.)
-A quiet area where students can read or work on homework individually or in small groups.
-Provide seating and/or tables for 8 people.
IT Closet (approx. 50 sq. ft.)

​

Concept Statement:
The concept behind this design is to create a flowing, easy, open learning space. This will be a place that lets teens learn what they want at their own speed, in their own colorful space. The spaces will be separated by using color & themes to keep with the concept of openness.

Schematic Designs

Process%20Documentation_edited.jpg

Zone Plan

Zone%20Plan_edited.jpg

Annotated Floor Plan

Annoted Floor Plan.jpg

A Side tables in reading nooks have outlets to make it easier to charge devices 
B Chairs in reading nooks go around/above
the person seated in them for acoustical purposes
C There are cameras in recording studio, media zone, & cafe that the service desk can see each space
D Flooring material in performance zone changes to cork to create a "stage" but stays on the same level as the carpet & goes up the back wall & lowered ceiling above for acoustical purposes
E Tables in performance zone can be easily moved & chairs can be stacked
F Media zone has 4 large windows (2 on north wall & 2 on west wall) to create a better sight line from the service desk 
G The floor changes in the cafe but the level stays the same as the carpet
H Instead of using walls, paint color indicates a different zone/space

Furniture Plan

Furniture Plan.jpg
Furniture Plan.jpg

Reflected Ceiling Plan

RCP.jpg
Isometric Plan.jpg

Isometric View

Renderings

Performance Zone

2018_-_YOUmedia_View_11_peoplejpg.jpg

Cafe

cafe.jpg

Computer Zone

Enscape_2021-02-14-16-30-01.png
bottom of page