OCTOBER UNIVERSITY FOR MODERN SCIENCES & ARTS FACULTY OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT BRIEF

COURSE NAME: COURSE CODES: CREDIT HOURS: PREREQUISITES: SEMESTER: COURSE COORDINATOR:

Architectural Design IV ASE241 3 Cr. Hrs. ASE231 Spring 2012 Dr Nermine Abdel Gelil

COURSE INSTRUCTORS:

Dr Wael Yousef Dr Alaa Farid Dr Nermine Abdel Gelil Dr Maged Abul Ela Dr Waleed Anan Arch. Rania Meseidy Arch. Shereen Abu Dagher Arch. Nesreen Samy Arch. Dalia Abdel Fattah Arch. Ghada Ghazala Arch. Doaa Farid

TEACHING ASSISTANTS:

Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

COMMUNITY LIBRARY IN 6TH OF OCTOBER CITY

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Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

1. Introduction:
A community library is a medium-scale public library. It could be differentiated from a national or a city library from the number of population it serves and the scale of services it provides. In general, a public library is a library that is accessible by the public and is generally funded from public sources. Public libraries typically allow users to take books and other materials off the premises temporarily; they also have non-circulating reference collections and provide computer and internet access to their users. Public libraries can be differentiated from academic, school, and special libraries because they function to serve the needs of a diverse service population including small children, students, professionals, and the elderly. In contrast, academic libraries serve college and university faculty and students; school libraries serve elementary, middle, and high school students and faculty; and special libraries serve scholars and experts within narrowly defined fields. Public libraries are used primarily by members of the local community in which they are constructed and secondarily by members in communities adjacent to these local communities. The members of those communities are the "service population" of public libraries and their needs affect the design and planning of public library spaces.

2. Background of the Problem:

A library is much more than a building; it is a way of arranging and re-arranging access to knowledge and other cultural resources. Public libraries, in particular, are becoming a must-have element in prominent town-planning schemes. They are a vital part of a civilized society and they act as hubs for their community. Since the late 1970s however, advanced technologies and alternative methods of how libraries deliver services, i.e., distance learning, electronic media, continue to develop rapidly. Before the late 1970s, housing print media was the main function of a library. Today, Internet access, electronic media, computer technology, and other forms of modern-day advancements have had a profound effect on the function and design of libraries. As a result, libraries have been the subject of considerable design innovation in recent years. New designs for library buildings, while drawing on traditional library architectural typologies, embody new ideas which respond to the widespread use of information and communications technology (ICT) and the culture of lifelong learning.

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Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

3. Project Intent:
Students are required to design a Community Library in 6th of October a mediumscale public library that serves the needs of a "service population" of 10000 persons, including children and adults. The building is located in al Mehwar Road near the intersection with al Wahat road, on a 5000m2 site; and its spaces lie on two stories with a total floor areas of 3000m2. The library will provide conventional collections such as books, references, periodicals and audiovisual collections, as well as electronic resources through online public access catalogues, internet and research computers stations and labs. While the design should take into account computer technology and other forms of modern-day advancements, its approach should adopt ideas and elements related to ecological sustainability (see next section) and community social interaction.

4. Sustainability and Ecological Design

Sustainable design should be a part of every library program so that the building can function efficiently without wasting energy during its lifetime. Sustainable architecture could be achieved through a series of guidelines: Considering building orientation, sensitivity to natural features and microclimate, fenestration and sun-shading requirements. The aim is to minimize climate impact such as solar heat gain in order to limit energy use for air conditioning systems. Use of landscaping to create climatically and visually comfortable and pleasant spaces. Achieving a good balance of natural and artificial light, appropriate to the functional needs of library staff and customers. Adoption of natural ventilation principles where appropriate.

5. Design Process:
The design process comprises a series of phases that starts with a research (teams) on community library building type and ends with a developed architectural design of 6th of October Community Library. A detailed process is as follows: Phase One: Research In this phase, students will work in teams (34 students per team). The methodology for this process is as follows: 1. Gathering all relevant information on community libraries building type and its design principles including (but not limited to): Definition and Background
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Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

Space Planning Needs (program components) Functional Relationships (zoning) Standard Dimensions for circulation routes, shelving, computer stations, seating, information and circulation desks, staff work spaces, etc. Morphology: form and mass analysis of some case studies. Sustainability and Environmental Impact (see 4. Sustainability and Ecological Design) Library Technology Design Considerations for Disabled People Case Studies: local (in Egypt) and international examples of existing community libraries. These examples may be integrated in the previous points. 2. Site Analysis: surroundings, accessibility, climatic factors, local and adjacent communities, etc. 3. Oral Discussion with each research team through a PowerPoint presentation 4. Submission of an A3 hard copy of the research along with a CD-ROM of the PowerPoint presentation Phase Two: Project Architectural Design The design process consists of a series of phases and submissions: Conceptual layout design: 3 alternatives for the form morphology and zoning 3D study model for each alternative (3 study models) Selection of an optimal alternative Schematic plan Refined and developed plan Refined and developed 3D Model Layout Sections Elevations Final draft and review of the project (plans, sections, elevations, layout, 3Ds) Design Jury

6. Program Components:
The project will provide a series of library spaces (public spaces) for various formats of collections and references, reading, activities, research and study, chating, etc. as well as staff spaces (non-public spaces). 6th of October Community Library is expected to include:

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Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

A. PUBLIC SPACES Entrance Plaza Public Entrance (100 m2) Entrance Lobby Community Display Area (viewing of community notifications, library and general information. Lounges Public Toilets/Drinking Fountains Circulation Services (150m2) Circulation Desk Area 50m2 Inside Materials Return/Check-in/Re-shelving area equipped with slots and trolleys 25m2 Outside Materials Return Room (adjacent to external returning chutes) 15m2 Circulation Staff Workroom 15m2 Circulation Supervisor's Office 15m2 Staff Toilets Childrens Services (350m2) Children's Information Desk / User Assistance Desk Childrens Librarians Office OPAC Computers (Online Public Access Catalogue, 4 stations) 10m2 Childrens Collection Shelving (30% of the total collection area, 100m2) Childrens Seating Activity Tables Story Time / Activity Area (room) Childrens Toilets Children Playing Area (indoor or outdoor) Adults Services (800m2) Information Desk / User Assistance Reference Desk for non-loan resources (mainly oversize books) Librarians Office OPAC Computers Stations (Online Public Access Catalogue, 4 stations) 10m2 Internet / Research Computers Stations (also OPACs, 10 stations) 42m2 Collections (250m2) o Books Indexes Table or Counter o Collection Shelving: Reference/Fiction / Non-Fiction Books o Periodical Indexes Table/Counter o Periodicals & Newspapers Shelves o New Materials Display Area
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Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

Non-print Collections and Listening Stations (Audiovisual Collection) Adult Seating/Study Tables/Carrels 150m2 Adult Informal Lounge Area 50m2 Adults Toilets Adult Patio

Computer Labs (80m2) Lab. 1: Internet/CD-ROM/Word Processing 25m2 Lab. 2: Training - public/staff - general use 55m2 Copy / Printing Center for Public Use (50m2) B. NON PUBLIC SPACES (500m2) Library Director's Office 30m2 Reception Area Administrative Secretary Library Director's Office Staff Commons - Copier/Fax/Storage 12m2 Staff Meeting Room 15m2 Reference Services 35m2 Reference Services Librarians Office Reference Services Staff Workroom Technical Services 150m2 Staff Workroom Collection Shelving/Book Trucks Storage Room Technical Services Manager's Office Computer Server Room Staff Break Room Area 50m2 Staff Entrance Closet/Lockers Staff Break Room Food Preparation Vending Machines Tables/Seating Staff Toilets Storage rooms 200-250m
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Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

C. UNASSIGNED SPACES (900m2) These spaces represent 25 30% of the overall floor area and include: mechanical rooms, janitors rooms, cleaning equipments storeroom, corridors, stairs, security rooms, elevators. D. PARKING (1250 1500m2) It represents from 25 30% of the total site area and includes: Public Car Parking Staff Car Parking Driveway(s) Loading and Delivery Area E. OUTDOOR SPACES (1500 1750m2) 6th of October Community Library will incorporate an entrance plaza, outdoor/roof gardens, internally integrated patios, and sitting steps to emphasis the relationship with both the interior and exterior aspects of the public realm. These outdoor areas will be used as meeting places where people could chat or take a break from their studies inside. They will include snacks and beverages kiosk(s) as well as public toilets. Together with the parking area, the outdoor spaces surrounding the ground floor of the library building represent 60% of the total area of the site.

7. Project Location
6th Of October City Authority

Gharb Somid

First District 6th Of October Community Library location

Fig. 1 [7]

Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

The library will be located in 6th of October City on a site measuring 83mx60m with a total area of 5000m2, see fig. 1. The following guidelines should be considered: Allowable built up area (ground floor): maximum 2000m2 (40% of the site area) Total floor areas (ground + first floors): 3000m2 Height: 2 floors Landscaping, parking and outdoor areas: 3000m2

8. Design Requirements / Main Criteria of Evaluation

Students will be evaluated according to their fulfillment and responsiveness to the following design requirements: Approach and Accessibility The library should be accessible to all users whether pedestrians, those arriving by public transport or arriving by private vehicle, as well as addressing the needs of the disabled. Should be reachable by the local community and surrounding neighborhoods Should present a friendly and inviting image to the community. Must have a strong sense of arrival and identity and distinguishes itself from its surrounds as an important new public building. Building Function and Design The design should take into account that the community library is anticipated to serve a whole range of users in the community, from school children, to university students, business groups, the elderly and to the disabled people. Application of appropriate and successful functional relationships and circulation routes. Fulfillment of program components. Creativity and innovation in the design concept, form and spatial organizations. The library should have a strong sense of identity and architectural language which may be independent and separate from the existing context; however the design should not be too contrasting to cause any negative impact. Electronic media, computer technology and other forms of advancements should have their impact on the design of the project. Architectural Standards Application of architectural standards in library collections and reading spaces such as shelving, seating, computer stations, carrels and circulation, as well as staff work areas and rooms, heights, lighting and ventilation, parking area, etc.

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Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

Sustainability and Environmental Impacts The building should be designed with ecological sustainable principles (see 4. Sustainability and Ecological Design). Outdoor Areas The design should emphasize the relationship with both the interior and exterior aspects using elements such as an entrance plaza, internally integrated patios, outdoor and roof gardens, sitting steps, and other landscaping features. Structure and Selection of Materials The building structure and general faade treatment should be considered in terms of structural efficiency, adaptability, cost, durability, as well as aesthetics. Structure Development of structural solutions and systems that ensure building flexibility and adaptability to modifications in internal functions as well as future changes and potential for future extension. Long life fixed elements of the building such as structural columns, beams and floor systems, stairs and lifts or major services distribution routes should be carefully designed and located. It is important that such consideration is made at both the conceptual design and development stage. Materials Students should adopt a contemporary approach to color and materials selection so as to evoke an inviting and friendly image with a sense of efficiency, coupled with a stimulating memorable building experience and civic presence. In general, materials should be attractive, durable and low maintenance and should not harm the environment or the people using the library.

9. Design Output:
Students submittals must include all of the following components: 1.1. Study model(s) 1.2. Layout 1/400 1.3. Plans 1/200 (with partial enlargements 1/100) 1.4. Elevations 1/200 (with partial enlargements 1/100) 1.5. Sections 1/200 (with partial enlargements 1/100) 1.6. Perspectives 1.7. Conceptual and architectural studies 1.8. Research product for entire semester 1.9. Evidence of development and progress throughout the semester (Portfolio)
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Architectural Design Studio IV ASE 241 Spring 2012 Groups A, B & C

1.10. A digital copy of all submissions 1.11. An A3 copy of the final design drawings

10. Grading Scheme:

Attendance in studio is mandatory. Final grades for the course will be determined by the quality of your design project, attendance, and engagement in course assignments and discussions. 45% project sketches and submissions 10% research 5% class participation & improvement 20% main project final submission and jury 20% final exam

11. Studio Policies

The following course policies will be in effect throughout the semester: All studio submissions are to be submitted on due dates indicated in the module schedule. No late submissions are accepted. Exceptions to this policy will only be granted in cases of extreme circumstances where appropriate documentation is provided. Requests should be made as far in advance of the due date as possible. The class period is an active working period. Students are required to be in studio and actively advancing their projects throughout the class period. Students may not leave the studio except with the instructors permission. Students are not permitted to passively await the instructors desk side critique. Nor are they permitted to work on projects for other courses. The level of effort during studio hours will be a component of each assignment evaluation. Students must be equipped with all required materials and supplies at every class. Students must be prepared to demonstrate substantial progress on their assignments and project at each class. Such progress indicates the level of effort outside of class periods each student expends upon his / her project and will compose part of their grade. Consultation with fellow students is encouraged. Students often learn most from one another.

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