Western Kentucky University
Margie Helm Library

Western Kentucky University’s Margie Helm Library has been a place of socialization, collaboration, and research. The library offers an extensive number of resources for students and faculty. With the new renovation, the need to enhance these services through the design was very important. The floor to ceiling windows offer natural light, making the space more welcoming. The open concept floor plan allows for flexible areas, while private offices and areas for private studying help students and faculty members to focus.

Second Floor View

Eureka Lighting's pendant lights, featuring felt-like acoustic panels enveloping a custom LED light source, have been selected to enhance sound absorption in an open-concept space.

Western Kentucky University colors and memorabilia were selected for school camaraderie.

A tempered glass-panelled staircase is selected for both safety and its contribution to a sleek, open-concept appearance that allows natural light to permeate the second-floor windows.

Private Study Space

Crypton fabric, selected in WKU colors, is a superb choice for commercial use due to its water and stain resistance, soft texture, EPA-approved disinfectant ability, and high-traffic durability.

For design coherence, pendant lights featuring felt-like acoustic panels and custom LED lighting, selected for sound absorption in an open space, are used in the stairwell as well.

LeanTo seating from OFS offers students and faculty an opportunity to retreat into a secluded enclave conducive to focused individual study.

Lobby

The OFS reception desk, characterized by its sleek, minimal, and modern design, features laminate wood for durability and easy maintenance. Additionally, the quartz counter has been selected for its bacterial resistance, high durability, and suitability for high-traffic areas due to its stain, impact, and scratch-resistant properties.

First Floor Plan

When entering the lobby, guests are met with the reception desk, which serves as an information hub and a point of assistance within the library. Strategically positioned seating arrangements near the entrance facilitate swift meetings and collaborative sessions. The space beneath the staircase has been optimized to accommodate additional private and group seating areas.

To the left of the entrance, a dedicated collaborative study and meeting space has been thoughtfully arranged. Advancing past the reception desk, one encounters a welcoming lounge area complete with a coffee bar, where students can savor refreshments from the café while engaging in their studies. Beyond this lounge area lies a fully equipped computer lab.

On the right side of the entrance, two private offices have been designated for faculty members. The primary aim of the first floor layout is to create a dynamic environment conducive to collaboration, group meetings, and focused study sessions.

Second Floor Plan

Ascending the front staircase, the second floor presents a central seating area featuring lounge seating and collaborative spaces designed to accommodate both students and faculty. Positioned in the far left corner, beyond the bookcases, are two private study rooms. Within the central area lies a serene study zone that offers discrete seating options within an open environment. Adjacent to this space, there is a group study area, which is purposefully designed to function as a quiet study room.

The overarching objective of the second floor layout is to provide a haven of tranquility and privacy for students and faculty seeking conducive spaces for quiet study and contemplation.

First Floor

Second Floor

Group Study Space

Partition walls, crafted from laminate wood, serve the dual purpose of ensuring privacy in the collaborative space while offering ease of maintenance and long-term durability.

The Herman Miller office chair was selected for its ability to provide lasting comfort during extended use, thanks to its flexibility and adaptability to individual movements and preferences.

Upstairs View 2

Barstools and a counter table have been chosen to accommodate independent study needs, providing a convenient workspace for both students and faculty. The selection of stools was sourced from OFS.

The Shell chair, selected from Coalesse, incorporates a laminated suspension system that responds to the user's movements, ensuring supreme comfort. It provides an adaptable and comfortable setting suitable for informal meetings or short study sessions.