In the fall of 2024, Florida State University Libraries embarked on an innovative partnership with an interior design class to reimagine the first floor of the Strozier Library. This project – creating a hypothetical new design of an existing library space – aimed to transform the library’s main floor into a dynamic, multifunctional space that could meet the evolving needs of students and staff. Guided by professors Dr. Yelena McLane and Dr. Daejin Kim from the Department of Interior Architecture & Design, and supported by FSU Libraries staff Leah Sherman, Crystal Mathews, and Laura Pellini, this collaboration provided students with a real-world design scenario.
A Decade of Design Collaboration
The partnership between FSU’s Department of Interior Architecture & Design and the Libraries dates back to 2014. This recurring collaboration has routinely offered students practical experience in redesigning real-world spaces while contributing to the continuous improvement of the university’s library facilities. Over the years, the Studio II undergraduate class has tackled various areas of the Strozier Library, including the Learning Commons, Special Collections and Archives, and the lower level.
Real-World, Research-Design Design
Each semester, students work in groups to redesign a selected floor of the library, receiving parameters and feedback from both their instructors and FSU Libraries representatives, who act as the “client.” This setup provides a realistic project scenario, balancing creative design with practical constraints and client needs. Throughout the semester, library faculty and staff offer detailed tours of the chosen space, highlighting its current design, usage patterns, and areas for improvement. This helps students understand the physical context and user experience, crucial for their research and design process.
Students also conduct thorough research to gather data on patron needs and space usage, essential for developing informed design solutions that address real-world challenges. The final presentations are organized as client pitches, where students present their design proposals to the library partners, who provide critical feedback.
The Power of Collaboration
This partnership not only provides FSU students with practical experience but also highlights the importance of collaboration between academic departments and campus constituents. By working closely with library faculty and staff, students develop design solutions that are both innovative and grounded in the real needs of the university community. The FSU Libraries redesign project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for creative solutions to enhance educational spaces.
This post was written by Leah Sherman, Visual and Performing Arts Librarian at FSU Libraries
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