The Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club
Learning Center RedesignProject by Deven Gibbs accompanied by
Independent Study Supervisor: Instructor Sharon Irish, PhD.
School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Need for [Re][design]
inefficient space use
harsh lighting
absence of color
need for interactive arrangements
comfort
The Overall Design Scheme
The overall scheme of the design was to create a space that will inspire creativity, collaboration, and individuality. The space will be flexible in function and form dictated by the need of the users. The space will have ample storage for all programmatic usages and the equipment necessary for that program. The space should facilitate creative expression, learning, and computer technology.
When asked to create a redesign for the existing computer lab and learning center of the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club,I created a space that will inspire creativity and collaboration in an informal setting for K‐8 students. The new space will have ample storage for all program uses and the equipment necessary for that program. I approached the problem as I do all design work. The objectives of this project are to develop research skills as they apply to information technology and architectural design through an exploration of informal learning spaces. The site for this project is the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club. The student will use the context of the site to develop a successful informal learning space for K‐8 students.
The redesign proposal should include proposes a new lighting schemeconsiderations, fabrication , and various furniture and materialschoices, programmatic usage, accommodations for about 20 K‐6 students.,and all other special conditions. This project can be considered as an interior design scheme, but many of the general considerations such as budget, time line, and energy cost should also be addressed in the proposal. The proposed course will provide the student with experience in interior design while developing her research skills, theoretical knowledge, construction (project) management skills, and budgeting proficiency.
The Four Guiding Principles to Understanding and Implementing the Learning Model
The Four Guiding Principles to Understanding and Implementing the Learning Model is an idea that comes from a reading titles “The Computer Clubhouse,” by Yasmin B. Kafai, Kylie A. Peppler, Robbin N. Chapman, ed.
Support learning through design experiences
Help manage members build on their own interest
Cultivate an emergence of community of leader
Create an environment of respect and trust
Support learning through design experiences
Color
I propose that there be color brought into the Learning Center space. To inspire creativity I have chosen that these colors be red, green, blue, and orange.
I have chosen to use colors-- red, green, blue, and orange--tohat will delineate the various spaces programs that will take place within the centeris space. Blue iswill be used forin the quieter individual workspaces.
Lighting
A multifunctional space should be lit in layers.where layers can be turned on and off to support the needs of active programs. By layering the lighting--track lighting, linear fluorescent lighting, recessed can lighting, and natural lighting-- types the user haswill have options for a lighting scheme suitable for differentthe activitiese program. I have selected a combination of track lighting, linear fluorescent lighting recess can lighting, and natural lighting for this space.
Acoustics
Acoustical considerations are vital in multifunctional and sound sensitive spaces.and where the materials used in the room do not have high acoustical ratings. I have decided to use Tthe existing acoustic tile ceiling will be supplemented within addition to carpeting the current existing tile floor.
Acoustical tile ceilings are designed increase sound quality and to reduce noise transmission. They are easy to install and easy to replace if damaged.
Carpet tile works well for sound absorption. Aesthetically, it adds color and warmth to a space.
Furnishings
Having a variety of comfortable seating options allows for flexible use of space, and allows people to feel comfortable within a space. For this project I have chose a combination of office chairs, bean bag chairs, couches, and seating cushions.
The office chairs should be lightweight and have wheels on the bottom to allow for ultra-portability. The height of the chair should be adjustable to accommodate a variety of users.
Having bean bag chairs that can be easily moved is a way to promote gaming, reading, and relaxation and create a fun atmosphere.
Couches are great in that they inspire collaboration. They also create a relaxed and homey feeling within a space.
The seating cushions for the Cove are designed to fit inside of each cubby or to be turned perpendicular to accommodate two users. They can be totally removed from the space if user chooses to move their activities elsewhere.
Help manage members building on their own interest
Spatial organization
Spatial organization becomes crucial in any space. Spaces should have dedicated spaces, but that have multiple usages.
Since laptops can be use virtually anywhere, there should be accommodations for laptops everywhere within a space. Desks designed for laptops should have electrical hookups to decrease the distance a user has to stretch their cord. There should be space for individual and group work using laptops.
The space should accommodate individual, group, and instructional usage for desktops.
Printing stations should be centrally located but should be place on a table with wheels so that the station(s) can be moved through the space.
The needs of the user may vary. Accommodations for individual usage should be made, but not limited to. A successful work space is flexible enough to support both types of user collectively.
In order to insure the comfort of all users there is a need for storage units. This will help to control theft in a high traffic area and increase trust between the users.
Technology
Help cultivate an emergence of community leaders
Portable Furniture
The youth should have the freedom to arrange the furniture to meet their immediate needs. Portability allows for a space to take on multiple functions.
Youth Leaders
Assigning leaders amongst youth will create a sense of responsibility amongst the youth. Allowing a child to be ‘responsible’ for others will help cultivate an emergence of leaders.
Create an environment of respect and trust
Student production
Creativity and a sense of psychological and emotional well-being are promoted by the use of art work and plants. Exhibiting art work created by patrons of the community center promotes a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Caring for live plants and making them thrive may promote a sense of responsibility and pride. Keeping plants and caring for them also promotes a sense of connection to nature.
Digital display of projects
Digital picture frames and/or display screens are an economical way to keep numerous user designs cycling for public viewal visible.
User Storage
In order to insure the comfort of all users there is a need for storage units. This will help to control theft in a high traffic area and increase trust between the users.