090107 section 3 visual scan

SECTION 3VISUAL SCAN

Reviewing a Library Buildingto give a practical perspective

on the theory!

VISUAL SCAN

Tour Library Facility in Groups

OBSERVATION

MOVEMENT

THE VISUAL SCAN – 6 MAJOR ELEMENTS

• Begin with the movement or tour the environment

1

2

•Observe user patters of behavior•Staffing patterns, interview staff concerning service•Observe customer service•Observe collections•Observe operational efficiencies – how things work

THE VISUAL SCAN – 6 MAJOR ELEMENTS

• Photographs• Interviews• Measurement – collection, staff, reader seats

DOCUMENTATION3

BOUNDARY4

•Define the boundaries of the facility in which the visual scan takes place

THE VISUAL SCAN – 6 MAJOR ELEMENTS

• Continue to focus on objectives and clarity during the movement process

PERSPECTIVE OF BLUR5

FEEDBACK OR LOOPING6

•It is important to iterate something over and over again. By definition, a process is a loop or loops. If we design our services and operations by taking loops into account, overall efficiency is increased and the load on external systems or operations is decreased. The Visual Scan process involves feedback.

PLANNING DEFINITIONS

PATHS

EDGES

ZONES

NODES

Introduction to the library content is essential.Provide orientation area to entrance

Introduction to the library content is essential.Provide orientation area to entrance

Can be open or controlled, it determines speed of movement on pathways. POSITIVE FLOW – Enhances dimensionality, and openness, visual sequence. Lighting, sound, video, instant messaging, computer access points

Can be open or controlled, it determines speed of movement on pathways. POSITIVE FLOW – Enhances dimensionality, and openness, visual sequence. Lighting, sound, video, instant messaging, computer access points

The routes along which people travel. Typical paths in the library buildings are the walkways which lead into information zones (books, information access). In the virtual library, these paths are connected computer networks, displays, and electronic interfaces. Open path = positive flow = Portal.

The routes along which people travel. Typical paths in the library buildings are the walkways which lead into information zones (books, information access). In the virtual library, these paths are connected computer networks, displays, and electronic interfaces. Open path = positive flow = Portal.

The places where areas dissolve into one another. In a library building, the living edges consist of the spaces along the windows. Here, one can view the plantings outside. In the virtual library, the information edge provides seamless access to resources. It integrates email and the Internet’s vast resources into a local computer which is in a library “learning zone”.

The places where areas dissolve into one another. In a library building, the living edges consist of the spaces along the windows. Here, one can view the plantings outside. In the virtual library, the information edge provides seamless access to resources. It integrates email and the Internet’s vast resources into a local computer which is in a library “learning zone”.

Moderate size areas that have a character. In a library building, users can identify physical areas such as Periodicals, Reference, and General Collections. Virtual zones are different. They provide access to the libraries “core collections” by delivering different ways of accessing, manipulating, structuring and visualizing information.

Moderate size areas that have a character. In a library building, users can identify physical areas such as Periodicals, Reference, and General Collections. Virtual zones are different. They provide access to the libraries “core collections” by delivering different ways of accessing, manipulating, structuring and visualizing information.

Well-identify points that users travel to and from, often at junctions of important paths such as circulation and reference desks. These key intersections or nodes are available online or during library hours.

Well-identify points that users travel to and from, often at junctions of important paths such as circulation and reference desks. These key intersections or nodes are available online or during library hours.

FLOW

ORIENTATION

C

A. Cohen Associates, Ltd, 2006

SPACE AUDIT

C

Remove Barriers – Walls, Bookstacks

Visual Storytelling – Photograph Existing Spaces

Observe Relationships

Define Access / Entrance

A. Cohen Associates, Ltd, 2006

SPACE QUALITY DEFINITIONS

“A” Space Window Wall, Corner, Wall Defined Zone, Defined Pathway, Acoustical Privacy, Good Lighting, High Ceiling (10’ +), Good Climate (HVAC)

“B” SpaceCorner, Wall Defined Zone, Defined Pathway, Acoustical Privacy, Good Lighting, High Ceiling (9-10’), Good Climate (HVAC)

“C” SpaceHigh Wall Defined Zone, Maze-like Pathways, Unsecured Private Zones, Mediocre Lighting, Medium Level Ceiling (8-9’), Questionable Climate (HVAC)

“D” Space Undefined Zone, Bad Acoustical Privacy, Poor Lighting, Low Ceiling (8’), Poor Climate (HVAC)

A. Cohen Associates, Ltd, 2006

An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells

better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make

better soup.

H. L. MenckenUS editor (1880 - 1956)

Exercise #3

Discuss & consider the advantages and

disadvantages of different library spaces