How can architects build with the community they seek to serve?
Hampshire College Library Redesign
Role: lead researcher, lead designer, and builder
2014 | Amherst, MA | Client: Hampshire College
I led the participatory design and construction of the Robert Seydel Memorial Reading Room at the Harold Johnson Library in Amherst, MA. The process was a journey into the heart, mind, and soul of a late professor and artist whose collection is now hosted in this library.
Research Process
Ethnographic Research to define the soul of the project
Design research involved exploring the late artist’s book collection, and interviewing his students, colleagues, and family. I used storytelling as a key tool in developing the project identity.
Co-creation sessions with stakeholders
I designed co-creation workshops where I guided real users in the process of prototyping redesign ideas for the library.
Developing tools to bring all voices to the table
Community members participated in surveys and design sessions.
Design Process
Reclaimed materials
In the spirit of the namesake of the project (an renowned collage artist) I developed a palette composed of repurposed materials
A fully custom solution
I designed and custom built the lighting and furniture system - optimized for comfort and flexibility.
