York St John University, Library and Information Communication and Technology Services, Fountains Learning Centre

Success Factors

What makes the space successful?

The building is part of the University's main campus in the centre of York, which as a relatively small campus means that it is within close proximity to all other University buildings. As with the rest of the University's buildings wheelchair accessible entrances, lifts and toilet facilities are available.

As a result of the refurbishment there is now an additional 270m² of available floor space in the building.

The variety and nature of working spaces means that there is scope for group and individual work to be carried out in a space that either has IT provided, facilities for the use of a person's own device or to carry out work with none.

Due to the layout some areas lend themselves more naturally than others to being social spaces. Many of the desk and work spaces have been deliberately located within the bookshelves so there is no division as such in what areas are intended to be used for what type of work. The atrium and head height shelving also combine to create segregated space but not lose the feeling that this is an open building with a naturally flowing route through it and also allows natural light to be utilised as far as possible; this is a particular feature on the 2nd floor where a whole side of the building has 3/4 glazing along one wall. This is in addition to the flexible nature of some areas.

As well as reducing any unwanted noise the use of shelving to segregate space also cuts down on visual distractions. The modular moveable furniture gives the workspaces increased flexibility and is intended to allow students to have an increased feeling of ownership in the building.

The building was refurbished with various themes and principles in mind which are highlighted through the artwork on display. These themes are:

• A focus on people (the feature wall on the ground floor, mannequins and silent room)
• Emphasis on the learning journey both historically that has been witnessed in education over the past 100 years and personally as experienced by individuals throughout their lives. Artwork on the collections shelves, in the silent room, and on 2nd floor depicts these themes
• A focus on conversational learning (the inclusion of quotes on the ground floor and 2nd floor walls by John Seely Brown and Richard Feynman

Throughout the building mannequins are used to provide signage. These are flexible and can be easily moved and adapted as needed while also being a talking point and adding a sense of fun to the space as well as reflecting one of the building's themes, 'people'.

As part of the refurbishment a disused lift shaft was opened up, office space was redesigned and the number of service desks revamped which made an extra 270 m2 of flooring available.

A number of discreet 'trolley bays' have been created on each floor for the neat storage of book trolleys when not in use.

Self-service checking in and out of loans, which was previously available in the building, has been made separated from the service desk and is available for standard and out of hours service. A staffed IT/Library support desk called 'Question Point' provides a one stop support desk for all IT and Library queries during normal working hours.

The ground floor has also been adapted to include a self-service 'holds room' where any book that is reserved is stored until collection. The book can only be checked out by the person who has reserved it but whilst awaiting collection it is available to others for reference. This is a new approach; previously the book would not have been available to anyone other than the person who had reserved it.

A previously closed book stack was opened up and now houses reference works, quick access core texts and periodicals, available 24/7.

The building has a good deal of natural light, indeed as a result of the refurbishment the library staff are now able to work in an office with windows (previously they'd worked in windowless space within the building).

An atrium in the centre of the space has tall bamboo offering a natural, outdoors-indoors point of interest.

There is currently a 'buzz' around the building as returning students respond to the changes and staff are currently trying to maximise the amount of feedback they can gather during this period while it is still perceived as 'new'. It is hoped that this 'buzz' will continue as people get use to the space and recognise its flexibility and become more comfortable in customising it.

What principles were behind the design?

The space was created with the idea of enabling a conversational, cooperative, IT enhanced lifelong learning journey with 'people' at the centre of it. This is reflected in both the technology and spaces available but also in the artwork throughout the building featuring photos of people learning throughout the last century; people at various stages in their lives representing lifelong learning. It is also complemented by the two feature quotes on the walls of the ground and 2nd floors representing conversational learning.

The refurbishment came as part of a shift towards moving the student experience from good to exceptional and moving away from a traditional desk based culture of staff working within the building, and any connotations of barriers such an approach creates.

This was to be coupled with increased functionality and a 'wow' factor when first entering the space. As part of the refurbishment the insulation of the building was improved as was the building management system (BMS) so that occupants could be more comfortable while also reducing energy used where possible. The idea of student ownership, choice and control of the area was at the forefront. The culture of areas being prescribed for certain types of work was removed, as was any signage telling users how to behave. An important feature is the separate silent space that has been created to ensure that the full range of learning facilities are available.

Now that the space is open and nearing completion it is felt that the building can be emblematic of the institution's shift in focus and culture, representing how services are proactive in assisting students rather than being simply responsive, a move away from the 'desk culture' which has students go to staff with students on one side and staff on the other.

What is innovative about the design? And use of the building?

The building has been refurbished after being open for 8 years, to maximise its utility. The atrium and glazing allow natural light to be used in the space as far as possible and minimise the need for artificial light.

The use of thin and zero client PCs means they consume less energy as well as extending the working life of the machines. Expansion of wireless access for use with mobile devices.

The flexible nature of the furniture as well as accessories such as the power points and laptop trays mean that many areas can be adapted to best suit the required needs at any time.

Also the use of mannequins for signage and a toy panda in the bamboo shoots in the atrium helps give the space a sense of individuality, personality and ownership which could be important in a space where staff and students can spend a large amount of time.

The introduction of the 'holds room' where reserved books can still be used within the building (as opposed to just being taken off the shelves until they are collected) also marks a change to the way the building is able to be used.