Newsletter - April 2022

April 2022

KSU, Mosier Hall Manhattan, KS

Creating Safer Environments During the COVID-19 Pandemic Over the past several decades, work environments and learning spaces have shifted significantly from separated workspaces and smaller classrooms to more open environments focused on collaboration. The trend in space planning up through 2019 was based on distributed work — places for focused “heads down” work and study, shared spaces for collaboration, and larger enclosed spaces for group meetings. Efficiency was a primary driver of design, and when combined with management and administration goals, this generally meant individual spaces shrank in order to make more room available for teaming and meeting. For example, the planning target for workspaces in the U.S. was 227 square feet per worker in 2002 — by 2015, the target dropped to 135 square feet.

But in the COVID-19 world, those trends presented challenges for many organizations that wanted to maintain strong, collaborative work and teaching models while ensuring the safety of staff and students. As users began gathering under the same roof again, safety was a primary driver of design. Increasing the space between individual areas to achieve proper distancing; using partitions to minimize exposure to pathogens; and developing distinct travel paths are all contributors to providing safe, shared spaces that promote health and well-being.

Clark & Enersen has been called upon by several clients to develop new space programming in an effort to accommodate social distancing without sacrificing function. These redesigned spaces have given communities, students, government employees, and others the opportunity to safely return to their libraries, schools, and offices.

NELNET RAMPART OFFICE PLAZA RENOVATION CENTENNIAL, COLORADO

Matt Glawatz Architect

In 2019, planning began for a corporate facility focusing heavily on creating collaborative work environments. As planning continued in early 2020, it became clear that the layout of open spaces would need to be completely redesigned due to the impacts of COVID. To meet the changing needs of Nelnet, the original 60-inch planning module was increased to 84 inches to achieve distancing, and movable, 72-inch-high partitions were added between workstations to create physical separation. Work surface-mounted screens were added on three sides of height-adjustable workstations to maintain a proper distance when sitting or standing. Circulation paths were designed to be directional in order to minimize close contact while moving through the space. Configuring workstations with mobile components allowed for easy reconfiguration in the future.

Layout prior to COVID-19

KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY NORTH-EAST BRANCH RENOVATION KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Adjusted layout during COVID-19

Kent Munster Interior Designer

As the Kansas City Public Library (KCPL) North-East Branch Renovation project was nearing completion, COVID-19 began transforming public spaces. It became apparent that the typical approach to furnishings for the library needed to evolve to meet social distancing requirements upon opening. The goals for the project remained the same: create a safe space for the public with access to services while also providing an engaging environment for individuals and families alike.

To achieve these goals, several space-planning design solutions were implemented, including cutting the library’s collection to include only the most essential offerings, which increased the space between aisles; reducing the number of public workstations on tables from six to three; repurposing large meeting rooms into quite study space and reading areas; and reconfiguring seating and table arrangements to reduce capacity and increase separation while still providing patrons with a variety of options.

The success of the study and the proposed changes were featured in a New York Times article about the pandemic and how libraries around the country were making adjustments to bring back patrons.

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY MOSIER HALL RENOVATION MANHATTAN, KANSAS

Hadley Stolte Architect

Prior to the pandemic, design work for a renovation of Mosier Hall had begun. The facility is in the Kansas State University (KSU) Veterinary Medicine Complex and houses its Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital and Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. The goal was to provide new space for clinical training in small animal primary care, a contemporary lecture hall, and new research laboratory space.

In light of COVID-19, KSU engaged Clark & Enersen to provide recommendations to ensure safety in the existing facility. An alternate auditorium seating layout was proposed, which provided a space program for the lecture hall to keep students seven feet apart from each other. We also provided recommendations to adjust the newly-installed auditorium HVAC to increase air filtration and maximize airflow in the space per American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) best practices.

Employee Spotlight Stacy Spale NCIDQ, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C Interior Designer, Associate

Q: What is an example of a project that will impact the community?

A: Our work at CenterPointe will have an amazing impact on people in Lincoln.

The design utilizes principles of trauma-informed care and biophilic design to destigmatize mental health care and provide primary care, pharmacy, housing, and support programs all within a historic structure. I cannot wait for construction to be finished and to see this project come to life!

Q: What is your favorite place to visit?

A: Paris, hands down! I am planning my fourth trip there this summer. I love being immersed in the culture and historic architecture.

Mike McKie SE

Structural Engineer, Associate Principal Q: How does our firm make a difference in the lives of others?

A: I know friends and neighbors who use the local libraries and community centers we designed on a regular basis. It’s great to hear them say the facilities provide spaces and functions that were previously needed.

Q: Any favorite hobbies or activities?

A: I have to go to Colorado every winter to ski. During the summer, I spend a lot of time in the water. It’s the best place for fun and relaxation.

Kelsey Moline PLA, ASLA Landscape Architect, Associate

Q: Why do you come to work every day?

A: I love what we do at Clark & Enersen. We learn so much from each other as a multidiscipline firm and the variety of project types and sizes keeps every day fresh and exciting.

Q: What is your current Netflix binge? What do you think of it?

A: My daughter recently discovered “Bake Squad” on Netflix and I’ve been having fun watching the episodes with her! Although it’s a competition, they often work together and help each other. Their creativity and craftsmanship are truly inspirational! clarkenersen.com Nebraska \ Missouri \ Kansas \ Oregon \ Colorado \ South Carolina