Post-Cross Crit Refinements | Week 9 Design Process

Re-evaluating our theory

At this stage, my group and I wanted to re-evaluate our design’s theory. Our Library no longer follows the extreme ‘Divide to Connect’ language of our previous library. Because of this, we now search for a softer polemic to describe our design themes. Through extensive discussion, we now believe our library embodies three core themes:

Exploration - From how the entry condition was received during the cross script we now believe exploration to be a key theme in our design. The reason one enters the library is influenced by curiosity; a desire to explore the underground library space.

Discovery - In conversation, we agreed that the two-street layout of our library was too basic. With exploration in mind, we want to create more complex circulation layouts; transforming the library into an explorative experience.

Encounter - While discussing our folly designs, we wanted to manipulate sightlines to encourage social encounters. We believe this can be applied to the library space; specifically, the group-oriented typologies (i.e. makerspace, cinema, exhibition, lecture hall etc.). We indirectly allude back to our original abstract; discussing the role of healthy surveillance in a collaborative learning environment.

While the polemics presented in City of Bits are still relevant, my group and I agree Mitchell’s themes are too extreme when applied; a dystopic vision for a visionary technological society.

Developing the Library

Our theoretical shift has led us to reevaluate several elements in our library design. The study pods – originally designed like an anechoic chamber - Is now seen as inhumane. We no longer want to completely isolate the occupant from the outside world; rather we want to create an inviting study space within the library. We also discuss replacing some of the study pods with group study spaces; further ‘softening’ the programme of the study belt.

Because of our liberated theory, we now believe a lecture theater can be implemented into the digital library. I was tasked to design this lecture hall; leading me into studying the acoustics of lecture theater design. My group and I were interested in creating a speaker-less lecture theater; believing it to supplement our more ‘humane’ library space. From my research into Michael Ermann’s ‘Architectural Acoustics Illustrated’, several parameters had to be fulfilled for a Speaker-less lecture theater to be successful:

- Firstly, there needs to be a direct sound line between the lecturer and the student. This ensures the student can listen clearly to the lecturer. this can be solved by sloping the seating arrangement preventing students in front from obstructing direct sound lines.

- Secondly, the lecture theater cannot be deeper than 8.5 meters. Otherwise specialized sound reflectors are necessary to redirect lost sound.

- Thirdly, any reflected sound must have a travel distance as close to the direct sound line as possible; preventing unwanted resonance.

- Lastly, I also discovered the fan shaped plan to be most optimized for speech.

With these parameters in mind, I underwent an extensive process to design the optimal lecture theatre space: