Architectural Library design the architect's view.

A discussion with Tom Findley

Morell D. Boone

The author Morell D. Boone (morell.boone@emich.edu) is a member of Library Hi Tech's editorial board. He is a Professor of Interdisciplinary Technology at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA Keywords Libraries, Planning, Architecture Abstract The architect's role in any building project cannot be overstated. It is crucial for library planners to bring the architect early into the design process and work continuously with him/her throughout the entire building phase. Thomas A. Findley, an award-winning architect from the firm of Leo A. Daly, spoke with the author at length about his role in enabling library planners to develop the kinds of buildings that will both satisfy present demands and enable future needs to be met. Electronic access The research register for this journal is available at http://www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregisters The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm

Library Hi Tech Volume 20 . Number 3 . 2002 . pp. 388392 # MCB UP Limited . ISSN 0737-8831 DOI 10.1108/07378830210444586

Library planners always face the challenge of mastering complex and shifting problems when undertaking building restoration or design. Should this year's hot technological or design trend inform the design of building that will not be realized for another five to ten years? What materials, what accents, should be emphasized for the library client for the year 2010 or 2020? What is the trade-off between building durability and building flexibility? All these questions involve significant considerations for the planner: what materials should go into the building, how should individual areas be designed, how should the interior design balance aesthetics and functionality? To answer some of these questions, and to provide you with some insight into the complex processes involved in engineering a major library project, I have asked colleagues both in and out of the ``academic'' world to provide me with their perspectives. In my last article, Dr Harold Shill, from Pennsylvania State University, in Harrisburg, shared his experience in shepherding his new library from the initial proposals through its opening. Dr Shill provided an excellent synthesis from inside; however, we also have to look out beyond the academic realm at other key players in the building development process. Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Thomas L. Findley, Vice President of Design at Leo A. Daly, an architectural firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. Mr Findley has had over 30 years of experience in designing educational and other public facilities in 20 states. He began his career at Leo A. Daly in 1969 after receiving his Master's degree in architecture from the University of Illinois. Some of his major projects include the University of Nevada Las Vegas Lied Library, the new Council Bluffs Public Library in Iowa, and the City of Largo, Florida Public Library. He won the prestigious AIA Award for his design for the Mutual of Omaha underground office building. Mr Findley cites these works as encompassing his personal design philosophy, which is that ``in this high-tech computer age, the learning environment needs to be a dignified architecture of interaction, providing the public with a compassionate and human-scale sense of community place''.

388

Library design the architect's view. A discussion with Tom Findley

Morell D. Boone

Library Hi Tech Volume 20 . Number 3 . 2002 . 388392

Interview
Morell D. Boone (MDB): In the world of architectural firms what does the Leo A. Daly firm offer to library facility planning and design? Thomas L. Findley (TLF) : Leo A. Daly is a unique family-owned full-service planning, architecture, engineering, and interior design firm established in Omaha, Nebraska in 1915, with an extensive history of library, educational and learning environment design experience. Today, with 12 major offices located across the USA, and two overseas, we are very well positioned geographically to reach most library clients very quickly, and with all professional design disciplines available under one roof. This means that a library client can hire us as a ``onestop-shop'' and have only one point of contact. I personally believe that the aspect that differentiates Leo A. Daly from most other library design firms is the added quality that our in-house engineering (structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, technology, lighting, and acoustical) brings to the table. As a result, our library design solutions always involve the most up-to-date technologies in the library building solutions that we generate. In our office, our engineers sit next to our library designers, facilitating opportunities for spontaneous idea exchange and immediate communication, without requiring us to correspond with engineers located elsewhere. Our close proximity to one another also gives us a tremendous advantage when providing library updates, renovations, and new additional services to clients. In such a case, I can quickly select which engineers I need for even small technical issues that may develop during physical condition surveys or assessments of existing library facilities, and take them to the library site. My 30 years of architectural design experience had shown me that the best buildings, by far, are the product of this creative collaborative design process, which combines the knowledge of the library staff, university leadership, and our architectural and engineering design team. MDB: What is your role in Leo A. Daly? How has the planning environment changed since you joined the firm and what changes have you seen in today's planning environment?

TLF: My position at Leo A. Daly is serving as Vice President of Design in our Omaha office. I work with our managing principal and director of operations in a collaborative team-oriented tandem leadership position. I am also an on-the-board senior designer and space programmer in the firm, with in-depth experience in libraries and high-tech learning environments. My most important role is to stimulate, by example, and through leadership and coaching, the creative spirit and innovative design work of our design studio staff. As Director of Design, I feel very fortunate to have the wonderful opportunity of leading our design efforts on many of our major projects, and over the years I have helped in recruiting and developing our highly talented group of architectural and engineering designers. As for changes in the planning environment (since I began practice in the mid-1960s), the greatest change has been the addition of computer technology to our working methods. It helps us, and it hurts us! It can speed things up, it brings more uniformity to our finished drawing packages and reports, and it gives us instant access to much more resource information across state, nation, and even international boundaries. On the other hand, it creates an almost overwhelming need for further technical training for most of our staff. In this time of transition, as we move into the high speed, high-tech information age, it has created some serious communication gaps in our design studios. Often, our most experienced and talented senior architects and engineers are not well trained in the use of the computer (including myself), although they really know how to put a building together. On the other hand, we have brilliant young ``techies'' who are experts on the computer, but are not well versed in building technologies. It is almost like having a foreign language chasm that sometimes hampers communication. However, to span this gap, we place heavy emphasis on training for senior and junior employees alike . . . and I am pleased to say that we are all getting better at it! MDB: In terms of your role in library building planning and design, where do you usually become involved in a project?

389

Library design the architect's view. A discussion with Tom Findley

Morell D. Boone

Library Hi Tech Volume 20 . Number 3 . 2002 . 388392

TLF: Many times we are called way up front at the beginning in the process, and are hired to help an institution prepare a space needs and vision statement to help them gather political and monetary support to expand or build their new library. In my opinion, this is the preferred point for the architect to get involved from the beginning. We can also give the client a very exciting visual promotional package using 3D models, computer simulation fly-through, and colored perspective renderings that help the client explain their vision. Frequently, a professional library programmer is also involved in this early collaborative team effort. This early involvement gives the designer and the programmer the greatest insight into understanding the library user/owner, the site, and the campus community that it serves. A mistake often made is when an institution has a requirement that the library architect, as building programmer, cannot also participate in the design of the building itself. It is a highly missed opportunity, if you are not involved in the beginning, to develop a creative and collaborative team understanding for what that specific library should be. MDB: How is library building design being modified today to accommodate new technological infrastructures? What have been some of the biggest changes in planning and design in the past ten years? TLF: One of the biggest changes has been the fact that access to technology should be ubiquitous (i.e. everywhere) in the library, including even the outside patio(s) and in the coffee shop. This means that a good library should have data access ports available to at least 75 percent of the reader stations. In addition to the need for technology everywhere, the presence of books should be obvious! The printed word is not disappearing nearly as quickly as some futurists have predicted. As a matter of fact, I believe that library floor areas are slightly increasing due to the presence of more technology workstations, which actually require 40-50sq. ft per reader station, in contrast with 25-30sq. ft for a reader chair at a table. In union with the fact that only some forms of information stored in digital formats are being readily accepted by much of the public, and due to the fact that continuously reading computer screens does get physically

uncomfortable, it will take more time for popular acceptance of reading computer screens, including e-books, over holding a good old-fashioned book. To take the pressure off librarians faced with the uncertain, and perhaps unnecessary weeding of the collection, we have been involved in the design of four major university libraries, where we have incorporated the use of computer-activated robotic book storage and retrieval systems (with book shelves up to 40 feet high and 100ft long) and which store up to one third of the collection. This incredible system saves space, construction cost, and operational costs, while providing almost instant delivery of the stored book to the library patron. Why wait half a day or more to get delivery of a valuable, but less used book (which frequently is the case in high density remote site storage facilities)? More large libraries are starting to use this dynamic space-saving method without having to throw away books that still have a valuable service life. MDB: So what does this mean, if you are planning a library for the future? TLF: The answer is simple: you have got to plan for space for both the computers and the books! Another area where we should be cautious is in jumping too quickly into total dependency on planning for the use of wireless technology access throughout the library. There are still many limitations on this developing system of data access, and you still need electrical wiring access as well. I believe that it is very important to incorporate planned wiring pathways and access ports and systems to all key user positions in your new or remodeled library/ learning environment. You can always add wireless, as this technology is perfected over time. As for challenges in comparing renovation and expansion of your future library versus a new library, construction cost and available space are usually a determining factor. If the numbers work out better for renovation over new, then the library should seriously consider renovation. However, please be aware of the complexities and discomforts of keeping your library functioning, while renovation is under way. If a library has a ``down time'' such as academic summer vacations, the phasing of

390

Library design the architect's view. A discussion with Tom Findley

Morell D. Boone

Library Hi Tech Volume 20 . Number 3 . 2002 . 388392

remodel work is less disruptive to your library service than if there is no annual scheduled break. Obviously, it can still be done, and frequently is done, but a carefully planned and well articulated phased construction process is critical to keeping your sanity and your library patrons throughout this period. MDB: What are the ``architectural'' features that define the ``new'' library? TLF: Indirect, shaded, and deflected natural light should be everywhere! It makes us healthier; research shows that we retain the information much better in naturally lit learning environments; employee error rates are significantly less; staff absenteeism is less; if properly designed, energy operational costs are less, because the air condition load can be reduced due to less heat being generated by electric lights; and the space is simply a friendlier and more humane place to spend time. In a high tech, computer-intensive environment, we also always recommend the use of computer-friendly indirect lighting systems to complement the available natural lighting. Another key feature is the fact that the library is becoming more and more of a campus/ community social interaction center and gathering space, with coffee shops, bookstores, art exhibits, and many differently sized collaborative learning spaces planned within. Technology allows us to do everything from home, but the human being enjoys the presence of others, especially when dealing with the information of the world. The library of the future must recognize this need for an ``interactive architecture'' in order to sustain its very important place in a civilized society. MDB: What do you see as the major obstacles in the ``new'' library of today? TLF: The obstacles that worry me most are university leaders, board members, or civic leaders, who believe that the book is disappearing, the ``virtual library'' is coming, and the need for expanded library space is diminishing. No consistent visible evidence of this ``library shrinkage'' is surfacing, of which I am aware. On the contrary, I see libraries actually continuing to increase modestly in size, particularly as more computer space as well as more social gathering and public interaction

space are added to meet their future needs. We have access to more information than ever in the history of mankind, and in many different forms. I believe that the people of the world need good places to access it, and use it. Three significant recently built examples of this growth trend are the wonderful new Vancouver, British Columbia Public Library, the exciting new University of Nevada Las Vegas Lied Library, and your own Bruce T. Halle Library at Eastern Michigan University. They are all well worth personal visits. MDB: What is your personal vision for library design in the coming five years? TLF: I always try to design a library so that it is spatially ready for the next 20 years, and physically ready for at least 50 years plus. An architect always thinks about the future. I like to say to a client: ``We should not design your new library for the way that you are, but for the way that you will be.'' A good metaphor that speaks to this notion is duck hunting. A hunter knows that, to hit a flying duck, you do not shoot directly at the duck, but ahead of the duck. If you aim at the duck, it will have flown by before your shot gets there. Planning a library ready for the future has the same challenge! I may be a little biased, but I believe that our recently completed University of Nevada Las Vegas Lied Library is truly ready for the future. For this project, we used an automated storage and retrieval system, a variety of wiring distribution methods underfloor cellular raceways and boxes at the Information Commons, raised flooring in data rooms, suspended cable trays in hallway ceilings, wall conduits, column conduits, and extension cord-like wire management furniture systems, and some wireless transmission in classrooms, and outside plazas. By using vaulted, clerestory roof forms, we also ``harvested'' desert sunlight for internal use, thus saving electrical energy and providing a healthier, more cheerful environment at the same time. The five-storey north facade is lined with naturally day-lit reader spaces. We also created a very exciting and interactive learning environment, rich in the use of technology, while, at the same time, providing a great number of user-friendly collaborative learning spaces such as the great, central, high-tech five-storey Information

391

Library design the architect's view. A discussion with Tom Findley

Morell D. Boone

Library Hi Tech Volume 20 . Number 3 . 2002 . 388392

Commons, lined with cushioned drug-store booths for study and chatting, a coffee shop/ cyber-cafe and a variety of private small group study rooms distributed throughout the 2,500 reader stations and collection. Technology access is truly ubiquitous here. It is everywhere. The thing I love most about the new University of Nevada Las Vegas Lied Library is the fact that this new library has become a very lively social center for the university campus students, faculty, staff and the public. The library is even alive and vibrant on Friday and Saturday nights, glowing like a lighthouse and beckoning all to enter, and enjoy. Key to the success of this great library was the vision and foresight of the UNLV library leadership itself. From the beginning, they wanted a library that was exciting, one that essentially ``radiated information''. This is so often the case behind every great building there is a great client. As for 20 years into the future, I will invite others to predict this future. I would be willing to bet, however, that, in this high technology age, the one key element to ensuring a healthy, vital future for the library will be a library building that provides an architecture of interaction, one that creates a great sense of place, and with free access to all kinds of information! MDB: If there was one thing that you could tell a library director, who had responsibility for planning a library building renovation or a new facility, what would it be? TLF: Your new library has a tremendous opportunity, and an obligation to make a dignified architectural and engineering statement that speaks to the past and the future. So many libraries seem to be dull and listless ``tombs for information storage'', so cloistered and protective. I suggest the idea that your new library should be a provocative and exciting phenomenon, like a ``spaceship that radiates information about both the past and the future'' for the use of all ages and all people. I would encourage librarians to be proactive in this new high-tech information age. Help us understand how to access and use the new technologies that are gateways to knowledge. Keep us connected to the book, while at the same time helping us to access and qualify the best information sources, while using the latest, most efficient

technologies. You, the librarians, are really the keystone to the future of libraries! MDB: If you could name one current project that embodies your ``design vision'', what would it be? TLF: I would have to say the Lied Learning and Technology Center for Childhood Deafness and Vision Disorders in Omaha, Nebraska. This unique facility, whose mission is to improve the lives of children and families by accessing and disseminating new technologies gained through new research frontiers, is 40,000sq. ft and will consist of research labs, an education and conference center, technology classroom and staff offices with collaboration areas. Although not a traditional library, I suggest that it will embody many of the characteristics of the ``library of the future'' by being a living, spontaneous, constantly changing ``information center'', which will disseminate information in new ways, communicating directly with the families that need it most, and in their own living-rooms and with live interactions between experts and users. The spirit of this new facility is captured in the use and articulation of translucent photovoltaic glass panels, that define, enclose and inspire the interior spaces and the people who use them. The panels allow life-enhancing natural light to penetrate the interior and dance within the spaces, completely changing the feel of a traditional research facility. The use of energy-saving photovoltaic panel technology is an additional feature of the sustainable design, and visually symbolizes how technology goes beyond the boundaries of research.

Conclusion
Thanks to Mr Findley I think we can conclude with three major points: architects and library planners have to work together from the very beginning of the process to outline commons goals; library planners cannot de-emphasize traditional library functions books/holdings in order to accommodate more technology: the two have to be integrated; try to think of your library as an environment rather than a facility a place of interaction, learning, and experiencing rather than a place for storage and equipment.

392