Physical Library Futures: Seeing Past the Pandemic

This is a sponsored event by the Harvard Graduate School of Design Executive Education.

Explore emerging models and evolving changes in library environments, and how changes in service and information technology influence library facility design. Intended for architects and librarians, library staff, and trustees, this program examines the evolving role of the physical library in the changing digital information landscape.

Course Description

While recognizing that the current pandemic has made permanent changings in design thinking for libraries, these sessions will transcend the current “problem‐solving” moment in library design. The course will be a broad platform for addressing libraries as
• an essential element of civic infrastructure,
• vehicles for access to and dissemination of meaningful dialog,
• productive “think space” & “do space,” and
• the definitive resource for reliable information.

We will consider how future libraries can do this while being both a permanent artifact of contemporary culture and a moldable environment that stays constantly current and locally relevant. The program covers the theoretical and the practical in an interactive and participatory class format. We will review cutting edge systems and emerging library building best practices. We will also examine the process and criteria for developing and realizing meaningful goals, whether in new construction, renovation, or expansion.

Topics include: new models, new service goals, library programming and planning considerations, library zoning for functional synergies, building community support, and sustainable design for libraries. Program activities include lectures, discussions, virtual library planning and design exercises, virtual exploration and evaluation of recent and proposed new library designs.

Instructor

Jeffrey M. Hoover, AIA Principal, Tappé Architects Full Bio >>

Who Should Attend

Architects, Interior Designers, Contractors, Urban Planners, Librarians, Library Staff, and Library Trustees/Commissioners