From the beginning of the design process for the Chester Campus Library renovation at John Tyler Community College, we wanted to utilize light and portray a feeling of openness throughout the facility. The existing library included bay windows along the entire exterior wall, but due to poor configuration of the walls and furniture layout, the library felt gloomy and uninspiring. Additionally, artificial lighting was harsh and natural light was not being utilized properly.

Designing an Inspiring Space

In order to open up the space, we created group study areas with floor-to-ceiling glass partitions. We also incorporated interesting ceiling patterns that lead students through the space, as well as special lighting to represent separate library functions.

In the more casual section of the library, lounge seating is now arranged informally. The ceilings are gently curved, and are accented with a LED control system that allows different moods to be created depending on the light configuration.

Other sections of the library provide a continuous linear feel, directing the visitor to the natural light vistas of the original bay windows. Juxtaposed to these areas is a 90 degree rotation of pendant up-down fixtures with LED lighting, providing even illumination over the stack areas.

Offices have LED direct-indirect fixtures, and the training center has directional lighting allowing distance learning and video conferencing while still providing good illumination for traditional instructional tasks.

Even with tight floor-to-ceiling heights, the information area, highlighted with translucent "clouds" and programmable lighting cues subtly create a calming atmosphere.

A Rewarding Experience for All Participants

This attention to lighting design—soothing colors combined with maximizing natural light—allowed us to create an inviting place for students to gather for research and study sessions on campus.

This project has been rewarding for everyone who participated. From the very early stages of design through the construction process, client representatives were engaged. Quality design is contagious and once participants saw the vision unfolding before them, they embraced all aspects of keeping the design intact through the decision making process. Even the subcontractors, who are typically unimpressed, were so awed with the color changing system that they were always eager to demonstrate its possibilities to those who visited the site during construction.

What most intrigued me about this project was the limited funding we had available to create such a drastic change. State regulations do not allow a diversion of project funding from one area into another (facades, other spaces, etc.) so we were constrained to creating a brand new environment within the exact footprint of the existing library. The use of light as a key design element was crucial to designing such an environment.

And this wasn't our only challenge. Read more about how we updated fire-rated wall conditions at the John Tyler Community College Library.