With this exercise we are to consider and then document interior space with an emphasis on function.
I have chosen my college library, which is intended for use by the college faculty and students. This space is not available for use by the public except perhaps on special occasions, such as festivals or other functions, or perhaps by special invitation. As the building was erected in the early 90’s, I have no record of the designer’s intentions, and so can only speculate on what was planned. One thing seems certain. The lack of closed space suggests it was not intended for archival purposes. As this is not a research institution but vocational, and as many resources are now available electronically, the library currently serves to support students through the provision of learning space and resources – private study halls, conference rooms, computers, audio-visual equipment, IT support services, a café. The building is circular in design and absent trees or some kind of multi-floor structure in the central atrium a lot of potential space on the first and second floors seems to have been wasted. The open space and dome-shaped ceiling serve to amplify sound and make the ground floor quite noisy when there are more than a few students present.
