Architecture

studiotrope Design Collective on Modern Library Design

Denver collaborative design studio on new trends in library design.

When considering front-line, innovative and modern design, institutional buildings rarely surface as a primary example. However, as design becomes more and more concerned with the connection between human health and the environment, it seems the building and renovation of institutions and publicly owned buildings are being approached with greater consideration of their full purpose. At least this is the case with studiotrope Design Collective, located in Denver’s 5 Points neighborhood. Through their forward-thinking library design, SDC demonstrates exactly what can happen when the individual parts truly consider the whole.

Connected by three distinct studios (architecture, interiors and graphic design), SDC functions as a true collaborative environment, according to Justin Martinez, Interiors Principal. Martinez has a background in retail design, as well as many large-scale art and entertainment installations. Joseph Montalbano, who heads the architecture studio, is an expert in public architecture. The graphic design studio is lead by Deva Montalbano, who is well versed in branding, logo and environmental design. Together, the three studios approach each design project as one collaborative effort.

Library projects comprise a large part of SDC’s workload. In the past four years, SDC has been brought in on several major library renovations and the studio has also authored Denver Public Libraries program for Contemporary Service Styles, as well as a program plan for CSU’s Morgan Library, recommending an overhaul of their 270,000 square foot interiors. Most recently, SDC completed Council Tree Library in Ft. Collins and Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg. Joseph began working in library design in the mid-90’s when many libraries were still being designed in a traditional way, relying on central desks to service entire areas. Back then, he says, the librarian operated mostly from a central place, requiring patrons to approach them. With the advent of the Internet, however, the librarians and the needs of people utilizing libraries changed in big ways. Joseph says librarians are now embracing technology, thus finding more time to interact directly with their customer. As a result of this paradigm shift, floor layouts and overall environmental design has needed to reflect this. Instead of stacks and stacks of books, libraries are incorporating spaces for this new way of interacting.

Joseph says that their most successful library designs are ones that emulate and enhance this new paradigm in public libraries. Open floor plans, information kiosks, way finding and graphics, as well as self-serve systems all contribute to what SDC considers modern library design. Joseph also points out that with the economy the way that it is, people who may have not been to a library in years are now reacquainting themselves with them. In this light, libraries need to be able to handle high volumes of customers, where people may check themselves out and access information on their own. Additionally, Joseph says he is seeing more and more that people are utilizing library meeting rooms and access to free Internet to accommodate business activity. He says there is an opportunity there for libraries to accommodate these modern working environments and capitalize on them.

Council Tee Library demonstrates SDC’s success in modern library design. The borrowing rate for the new branch is 115% per month, compared to 50% at the other libraries in the Poudre River Public Library District. Joseph believes much of this turnover is attributed to the design, specifically the furnishing and material selection, as well as an emphasis on a more retail oriented layout. He says Council Tree represents an example of a client who was looking for a more forward-thinking approach.

Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg was designed in a similar way. Martinez says that while SDC does specialize in implementing modern library design, they also allow each project to reveal its own identity. “Every project has its own voice, client, context and content. We are simply listening to the demand and responding in a progressive manner.”

SDC invests quite a lot of time researching and understanding their subjects. When Denver Public Library commissioned SDC to create the program for their Contemporary Service Style, the group spent six months conducting preliminary research studies. Joseph credits DPL with their unique approach to library services. He says DPL realized they couldn’t accommodate all people at all libraries and so responded by inventing unique service styles. Out of the program created, SDC has been commissioned to renovate the Ross Cherry Creek branch and the Bear Valley Branch.

For more information on studiotrope visit their website at www.studiotrope.com .