Deer Path Middle School, Haskins Library Renovation

Design team: Julie Michiels (Senior Interior Project Designer); Rick Young (Project Manager); Mark Jolicoeur (Managing Principal)

To inform the vision for Deer Path Middle School’s seventh- and eighth-grade library, two in-depth student workshops were held. Incorporating input from students, staff, administrators, and parents, the design provides renovated space that takes a fresh look at future ready learning.
The library accommodates both small group collaboration and full class instruction, and students and staff now have more opportunity to interact side by side rather than the traditional front vs. back of a classroom. Users desired a more open look and feel, so the design team increased both the visual and physical connectivity of the existing classrooms. They flank the library space to encourage interactivity and flexibility. Children studying or browsing the stacks have a clear view into the transparent classrooms and vice versa, creating not only an environment that celebrates independence and different types of learning but also one in which natural light penetrates throughout.
Deer Path’s school colors were used as a base from which a brighter, more vibrant color palette is built. Ceilings are exposed to take advantage of additional height; this enabled the school to build bleacher-style seating along the windows. This double-sided seating accommodates both presentations and informal collaboration. An amphitheater called “the campfire” creates another flexible zone in the corner that can accommodate large groups or more casual gatherings.
All furnishings, including book shelves, are flexible to accommodate multiple uses. These include after-hours use of the school. Community is very important to Deer Path families; thus, it was important that this space function as a hub for learning and activity, even beyond school hours.

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