Located in an existing building on 346 N West Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Library of Things project was proposed to enhance the Fayetteville Public Library’s core services and contributions to the community. Considering the recreational activities and destinations within the “natural state,” Ark Outdoors is intended to bridge together resources, access to gear and equipment, and
community involvement to improve overall outdoor engagement and well-being. The project concept is Bridging Interconnection, which came about through the site analysis that revealed an interconnection between the site and outdoor destinations. Based on the five design goals, the library focuses on interconnecting outdoors, learning, and community.
Inspired by the concept model, the center opening is the bridge between the space programs, with the stairway and catwalks allowing patrons to interconnect among the surrounding collections. Entering on the west side of the building, the first floor is designated for larger, heavier collections, including boating and biking. To provide more space, a separate boat shop is adjacent to the boat
outdoor patio & boat shop
collection for repair and cleaning. The second floor is designated for administration as well as books and research, with archives of old maps of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the Ozarks. The third floor is designated for smaller collections, including golfing, hiking, and camping, as well as learning stations, including a rock-climbing wall and a putting green pad to try out the collections.
Being mindful of the five design goals, the central opening is flooded with natural light through a large skylight overhead, helping to open up the space and promote a sense of wellness. The surrounding collection spaces are also open with as few walls as possible, exposing them to natural light as well as allowing patrons to see the collections from anywhere in the library. Material selection further promotes
STAIRWAY OPENING
wellness and sustainability, consisting primarily of wood, concrete, and flagstone. Selected for its lightweight, inexpensive qualities, pine and whitewood make up the majority of the custom casework, as well as wall and ceiling elements. Concrete is applied in all collection spaces, as it is durable and easy to clean. Finally, flagstone is applied in major circulation areas, providing texture and wayfinding.
SKYLIGHT
LIBRARY COLLECTION
1
Foster Outdoor Engagement in Fayetteville/ Northwest Arkansas Region
2
Select Materials that Celebrate Sustainable and Local Resources
3
Enhance Worker and Volunteer Experience through Flexible Space and Storage
4
Create an Age, Disability, and Gender Inclusive Environment through Wayfinding
5
Promote Health and Wellness through Outdoor Connection and Natural Lighting
1. Check In/Out 2. Retail 3. Reception Area 4. Bike Collection 5. Bike Repair/Storage 6. Boat Collection 7. Boat Repair/Cleaning 8. Scout’s Snacks 9. Outdoor Patio 10. Mechanical 11. Restroom 12. Elevator 13. Egress Stairs
1. Research Station 2. Book Collection 3. Map Archive 4. Collaboration Room 5. Admin Offices 6. Admin Lockers 7. Mechanical 8. Restroom 9. Elevator 10. Egress Stairs
The project began with a series of collages that influenced the library collection. Through each collage, a common theme was found, movement, which is emphasized through continuous pieces of rope. These outdoor activities are important because they promote human body movement while encouraging us to
1. Rock Climbing Wall 2. Hiking Collection 3. Golf Collection 4. Putting Green 5. Storage 6. Camping Collection 7. Mechanical 8. Restroom 9. Elevator 10. Egress Stairs
BOATING
HIKING
connect with our natural surroundings. Each collage represents the collection categories within the library - boating, hiking, biking, golfing, and camping.
BIKING
GOLFING
The concept model was derived from the collages and is a metaphorical representation of the interconnection between the site and outdoor destinations. Space planning represents the model in 2D, and the shaping of space represents the model in 3D.
CONCEPT MODEL
SECTION
RECEPTION AREA
AXON
BIKING COLLECTION
GOLFING COLLECTION
CAMPING