Donnegan Systems, Inc. is proud to have worked on many award winning projects, but the most recent project we were recognized for was the Douglas D. Schumann Library at the Wentworth Institute of Technology. This library renovation project won two awards this year: the IFMA (International Facilities Management Association) Boston Chapter’s “Best Practices: Medium Project” award, and the IIDA (International Interior Design Association) New England Chapter “Best Educational Design” award.
When the Wentworth Institute of Technology kicked off its library renovation project in August of 2015 their goal was to transform a very traditional library into a dynamic and technologically rich learning space which would allow students to learn in their own way. Once the construction began in April of 2016 they were only 5 short months away from completing their goal, and giving the student body at Wentworth the library they’ve always wanted. In order to give their existing library a new identity (or interior) they needed to bring more light into the building, open up collection spaces to be used for student areas, and completely retrofit their existing storage and shelving.
When it came to deciding on a storage provider, Donnegan Systems, Inc. was a clear choice. We worked closely with Perkins & Will throughout the entire design process to create shelving and storage solutions that would not only play into the open and bright interior of the new library, but would also help save space- opening up more room for study areas and Makerspaces. We implemented two High Density Mobile Shelving systems which now house 75% of the library’s collection, supplemented some static Cantilever Shelving, and incorporated magazine and article storage for a clean display of all collections.
On the main floor of the library we provided article and magazine shelving, as well as cantilever shelving for reference books and yearbooks. Upstairs we helped save immense space by incorporating High Density Storage, which allows clients to double their storage capacity. Through installing mobile shelving, Wentworth was able to construct 8 new study rooms, various quiet reading spaces, and tech-enabled classrooms.
The benefit of using high density shelving over traditional static shelving is its flexibility. As you can see from the image below, we had to work around existing structural constraints in order to make Wentworth’s space work better for them. Our storage experts work around the clock to make sure we save our clients every square inch possible- even if that means working around columns and beams.
High Density Mobile was strategically placed around the upstairs floor to provide students with more study areas; long rows of shelving line the room, providing central areas for students to collaborate and work.
Once the decision to use High Density had been made, Wentworth quickly went to work deciding which collections to keep, and where to put them. A surprise benefit that came from their decision to house some collections on mobile was the added space savings. Not only were we able to house 75% of the library’s collections on two mobile units, but we even left them space to grow in the future.
Mobile shelving isn’t the only flexible solution out there, however. We were also tasked with incorporating cantilever shelving throughout the building that would still allow natural light into the room. Our solution? Half stacks of shelving incorporated into the base of windowsill counters.
To quote an interview with Kevin Kidd, the Library Director at Wentworth: “Books are fundamental, still, to some of the programs we have here at Wentworth, but what we are doing is using a much more efficient use of space.” As storage specialists who have worked with many libraries and institutions in the past, we know that Kevin is certainly correct when he says that books are fundamental, still. We have learned throughout the years that books aren’t going anywhere, and yet libraries find themselves needing more space. The best way around this challenge is to involve a local storage expert- We help store collections in a way that is not only space efficient, but allows for growth and future planning too.
As the project was developing Kidd already had a vision of the impact the renovations would have on the student body: “The impact on our students and on the life of the Wentworth Institute of Technology will be transformative.” Again, Kidd hit the nail on the head. The response from the student body at Wentworth was overwhelmingly positive- ever since doors opened in September of 2016 more and more students have been flocking to the new, modern, and completely transformed Douglass D. Schumann Library.
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