Mobile Sustainable Library – Designing and implementing a live project

  • Silvia Grimaldi: Course Leaders BA (Hons) Spatial Design, LCC
  • Valerie Mace: Course Leaders BA (Hons) Spatial Design, LCC
  • Barbara Salvadori: Print and Screen T+L Specialist Technician, LCC

This Presentation starts at 14:30 in room T304. Back to Parallel Session 3

Brief description of session and activities

This paper presents an innovative collaboration that took place at LCC between first year students and staff of the BA (Hons) Spatial Design, Barbara Salvadori from the technical team and the library staff. The project was funded through Project Mode and called for students to design and construct a specific area within the library dedicated to sustainability as well as a mobile library unit, to be used in the space or in the college (for example in studios, classrooms, lectures, offsite activities). In doing so, students were able to understand principles of sustainability through research and design.

Students designed their proposed concept in the Spring term of 2014 and, following a presentation to the library staff, selected concepts were shortlisted for implementation. Two students, Joy Williams and Ashleigh Nutton were tasked with creating the final design, pitching it to the library staff, and with implementation of the project.

During the summer Ashleigh and Joy secured donations and sustainable materials from a range of sources (commercial and reused materials), then carried out the work. The space officially opened on 13th of October with a launch event.

This was a unique opportunity for first year students to take part in a live project, an innovative way to foster collaboration and, by creating a space dedicated to sustainability designed by students for students, promote sustainable practice through design. The students saw their project realised and benefitted from opportunities to work closely with stakeholders (students, staff, library, etc.), being briefed and getting feedback from the client (library). They will also see the space being used as a platform for a series of lectures and talks on sustainability.

The paper presents the project in the form of a case study that highlights the practice of live project from the perspective of academic staff, students and client. It also explores the benefits to stakeholders and the students’ experience through the process of sustainable design practice as well as those that stem from the collaboration across different departments at LCC.  

Will students be involved in the session? If so how?

We will invite the two students who implemented the project over the summer to join us in presenting the project and provide their own perspective on the process and outcome.  

What will participants take away from the session?

  • Understanding the benefits of funded projects for students.
  • Understanding the benefit of collaboration for students.
  • Understanding the process, benefits and risks of working in the context of a live project and implementation.
  • Understanding sustainable design practice and how it can be applied to enhance student’s learning and experience.