Design Library Reenvisioned
Lauren Newcomb, Rachel Lockwood, & Caitlyn Hubbard
GD 202 Victoria Chi
April 28, 2026
current state
According to the data:
What’s Working:
The book stacks
The plants
Quiet space Windows and natural lighting
What’s not working:
There is a lack of seating The “vibes” are off There aren’t enough privacy/ private seating options The space lacks a consistent aesthetic throughout
Goals the
We propose to...
Create a more welcoming and inviting environment. Preserve the quiet nature of the space.
Infuse the character of the College of Design into the space. Invite students to interact with physical media, especially when looking for inspiration for projects.
Layout the
main level
Book Stacks
Large Tables
Stairs to Loft Book Nook
loft level
Study Rooms
Loft Space
Staff Offices
3rd floor access
Tour the
Front DOORWAY
Front DOORWAY
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The main entrance to the Design Library has been decorated in alignment with our new branding system.
Front DOORWAY
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The space is easier to find, therefore becoming more accessible to students.
The colorful door creates a more inviting and fun atmosphere through visual interest.
Front DOORWAY
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The door is decorated in alignment with our branding that reflects attributes found in the College of Design. The colors and shapes used are reflected in the rest of the library.
FRONT ENTRANCE
FRONT ENTRANCE
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
When you enter the library, the first thing you see is the branded directory sign. Student work is pinned up on cork boards to the left. Continuing left, the back wall of the space is lined with private study booths, similar to those found in other libraries on campus. The library desk is also located directly to the left of the entrance.
FRONT ENTRANCE
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Clear signage tells students where to go. The work pin-up area connects directly to the students by showing off their own work. Clear desk placement right at the entrance.
Lowered the height of the library desk to invite students to ask questions.
FRONT ENTRANCE
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Individual study booths, both with and without desks, along the book stacks preserve the quiet environment. The book stacks block sight lines and muffle sounds, promoting this quiet environment.
FRONT ENTRANCE
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Cool, natural colors, light wood.
Strong consistent branding.
A student pin-up area inherently brings in the “design vibe.”
FRONT ENTRANCE
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The student work pin up area promotes the creation and display of physical work.
The prevalence of Book Stacks in the space.
SUPPLY STORE
SUPPLY STORE
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The College of Design Supply Store will provide supplies for students to buy for studio and projects.
SUPPLY STORE
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
A store would allow the Design Library to become a resource hub for students, making the search for materials much more convenient.
Follows our branding guidelines that promote a welcoming atmosphere.
Signage is clear, and all materials are presented neatly, guiding the user in.
SUPPLY STORE
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Provides supplies students in the College of Design can enjoy.
Light wood and continuous use of our brand imagery ties into the rest of the library.
The center desk is inspired by studio-style desks, encouraging students to use the storefront as a “makers space.”
SUPPLY STORE
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The store sells materials for physical projects, encouraging students to engage with physical mediums.
The store features a mini maker space that could be expanded in the future.
SUPPLY STORE THE SPECIFICS
Large Boards
Paper Rolls
Stationary
SUPPLY STORE THE SPECIFICS
WHAT’S IN OUR STORE?
Sourced from the “Wolfpack Outfitters” in Talley.
Items include:
Large cardboard boards Rolls of different paper (plus smaller sized paper) Stationary, including other drawing supplies
Sketchbooks
Supply list may be expanded Inspired by items needed in first year and architecture studios.
Book Stacks
book stacks
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Walking further into the library, you’ll find two large taller tables adjacent to the main book stacks. While lower book shelves line the space, this is the main place books are kept in the library. In this area, you’ll also find plants lining the large windows. Next to the staircase, there are also “egg” shaped chairs that a great for reading.
Book Stacks
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The windows provide natural light, which was one of the key features current visitors to the library liked about the space. Plants were also a common favorite and have been kept in the space.
book stacks
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The book shelves themselves have arched framing at the top, providing a space to display design artifacts A rotating display of posters selected from the university image library provide fresh inspiration every semester.
book stacks
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The placement of the tables intentionally draw visitors eyes down the book stack rows.
The placement of large tables provide a space for students to look at books from the stacks, no matter the size.
Book nook
Book nook
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The Book Nook area is tucked away on the right side of the staircase to the loft. There are private seating arrangements for individual students to have a quiet place to work. The perimeter of the space has more bookshelves and a few desks with computers on them.
book nook
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The plants, arches, and natural light invite students into the space.
The patterns on the carpet use directional curved lines to guide the eye into the space, encouraging the user to enter.
Book nook
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Individual study booths in the center of the space preserve the quiet nature of the space
Community computers offering design software encourage work completion in the space.
book nook
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Arches on the back desks and back bookshelves tie into the library’s branding.
Plants by the windows to bring in more greenery, as requested by students and staff.
Paper center light, reminiscent of the “paper project” that many students have to work on in first year studios.
Our consistent choice of rounded furniture ties into the use of curvature throughout the library.
book nook
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
A button maker invites students to create a physical object just for them.
Large tables provide students the space to use both their computer and a sketchbook. v
the loft
the loft
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Upstairs and to the right, you’ll find a casual seating area with a large couch and two swivel rounded chairs.
the loft
Goals accomplished: WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Large comfortable seating options invite students to stay a while while they complete their work.
An accessible entrance leads to the third floor of Brooks Hall, ensuring that all can access this space.
the loft
Goals accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
A space with more comfortable chairs and couches for students to relax in a quiet environment.
Centered away from foot traffic, in a quiet corner of the library.
the loft
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Paper lanterns serve as a call back to freshman year studio for all undergraduate studio majors.
Arched windows connect Brooks back to other design buildings on campus and strengthen our brand identity in the space. Images pulled from the university archives serve as a reminder of the history of the College of Design.
the loft
Goals accomplished: WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
Historic design work relevant to the College of Design, including architectural sketches and post cards, are displayed on the walls. Magazines are provided for casual viewing, similar to the center of the current library
the loft
Goals
accomplished:
WELCOMING | QUIET | CHARACTER | PHYSICAL MEDIA
The other side of the loft will feature seating on the cat walk and reservable study rooms. These features can be found in other libraries on campus and are popular among students.
Brand the
Color Palette
#FFFAED
Sketchbook Paper White
Pen Blue #2F323B
Plant Green #87C771
Sky-Light Blue #A9E4D4
Logo
Our new logo takes inspiration from...
College of Design Architecture
Ideas of Community & INclusivity
Circular Grids
modern tech textures
Logo in use
The logo created becomes the base texture for the space, creating a cohesive atmosphere. Some example use cases include the texture of the floor, the signage, and the door. The logo was also the inspiration for many of our furniture choices, where we reflected the logo’s round nature.
Why round shapes?
There is a consistent sense of roundedness throughout our concept, in the logo, furniture, and branding.
According to research...
Curved shapes are generally liked more than sharp angles
Curved shapes are easier for the brain to process
Curves feel softer, safer, and more pleasant
Curved furniture can make a room look more comfortable and inviting
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4975689/
https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/why-you-should-fill-your-rooms-rounded-curvy-furniture
Summary the
a recap...
In order to create an inviting space for College of Design students, we listened to their needs. We worked to produce a welcoming environment for students to connect more with physical media, study in a comfortable and quiet space, and connect more with the College of Design through their peer’s work and shared experiences. In our redesign we increased the seating capacity to 50.