As an admirer of the great Louis Sullivan’s architectural space planning, I believe AI Architectural Design and Development time has come. We need to emphasize authentic relationships to build successful libraries. Basically, alignment must be actively communicated and embodied into the forms and functions of library services. Louis Sullivan AIA famously stated that form ever follows function. To him, a building’s ornamentation was meaningless compared to how well its design and layout supports its intended purpose. The most beautiful and “true” architecture comes from this organic integration of shape and utility.
Form Follows Function
When it comes to libraries, Sullivan would argue form must follow the functions of access, engagement, discovery, and community-building. The physical spaces should make it easy and delightful for diverse patrons to find information, have serendipitous discourse, and nurture their curiosity. Layouts should have public meeting areas and technological capabilities to match modern modes of learning and collaboration.
Reimaging Forms of Libraries
Just as Sullivan broke from classical forms to usher in modern skyscrapers, he would push today’s libraries to radically reimagine their buildings. As communities and needs shift, so too should the walls, furniture and flows. By continually realigning form to emerging functions, our library work illustrates what Sullivan called “living institutions.”
Basically, Sullivan would praise todays flexible spaces and adaptable environments.
Strategic Space Planning
As an expert in strategic library planning who has worked with many top institutions, I wanted to share my perspective on how to future-proof employ Library Community AI Development Strategies. The functions of the library requires a review from time-to-time. For example, master planning process will result in long and short term success. While modes of strategic planning evolve, AI development strategies are part of the Library Consultants planning process. Today, we are adapting new AI tools to enhance our research. It is affecting the form of the library plan and the results. Indeed, what is emerging are new functions in knowledge management and architectural design for libraries.
Carnegie
Visionaries build architectural spaces for knowledge that awe and inspire. Take a look at the Book of Kells. But learning no longer requires accessing bound books in hallowed halls. Your students turn to digital interfaces almost intuitively. Thus your library must morph into a third space promoting organic discourse between curious minds.
Start Learning About Your Users
By surveying student and faculty needs, you can identify new opportunities. Converting unused basement stacks to a maker space with 3D printers and VR stations. Opening group study rooms with interactive touch displays. Curating a media lab for immersive documentary viewing. Weaving emerging technologies into the fabric of spaces to kindle engagement.
Some changes may seem radical departures from the past. Yet Aaron Cohen AIA would approve. He understood that true philanthropy enables self-improvement. And students improve best when libraries remove barriers to collaboration, creation and exploration on their terms. His career as a library architect enabled our firm to adapt libraries
This generation will author the next historic chapter for libraries when we empower them to write it themselves. Let’s envision the future together. I welcome the chance to meet and share strategies for an organic integration of technology alongside community that renews your Library’s resonance for decades to come. Please contact us to schedule a planning discussion and begin the AI library development process.
Strategies to Secure Funding
Here are some suggested strategies to respond to the paragraph about securing funding for library renovations, expansions, or new buildings:
Build a Community Benefits Program
Emphasize how updated library spaces and new programs/events align to current community needs and values. This shows civic leaders it’s a sound investment. Provide usage data and community feedback that supports areas for modernization.
Create Programs that Inspire Culture
Capture hearts and minds by painting the vision for how improved facilities can promote discovery, discourse and engagement. Share inspiring spaces from other progressive libraries. This builds momentum for change.
Hold Workshops to Embrace Innovation
Libraries uplift those less fortunate through education. Advocate that new or enhanced libraries can now uplift communities through access to emerging technologies, collaborative spaces, and expertise connecting users to digital resources/skills. This positions libraries as essential modern community pillars.
Visualize Changes in the Environment
Carnegie also aimed to provide the materials and quiet spaces for people to freely learn at their own pace. Make the case that upgraded libraries allow for more self-directed learning opportunities through expanded online collections, individual and group study spaces, hands-on learning resources, and technologies to create/experiment.
Start a Community Outreach Program
Start a planning workshop process and demonstrate alliances with educators, archives, local non-profits and funding boards to showcase libraries as hubs for quality community programs, events and shared resources. This builds confidence in your library as a place.
Contact Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD
