Campus Projects
Learning Spaces and Learning Spaces Resources
Project: Open Book Cafe
Location: College Library, UW Madison campus
Brief Description:
Remodel an ordinary study space to include a café.
Contact:
Dave Luke
dluke@library.wisc.edu
608-262-9247
Time Frame: Project planning took approximately a year. Construction and installation were completed
over 6 months. Project was completed in February 2002.
Full Description of Project
Approximately 15,000 sq feet were remodeled, primarily through new furniture and
carpet, although there was demolition of one wall and the installation of a food
service area.
Originally this space included study tables and a few "soft-sided" chairs, all original
furniture from 1971. Also, the library's recreational reading collection was in
this room.
The original plan called for the installation of space that would allow for readings,
lectures and other programming events to occur. The removal of one wall to create
this space would have put the project over budget so this concept was tabled.
New furniture was designed and installed by
Agati. Furniture
purchased included:
- 6 4'x4' square study tables
- 22 4'x6' rectanglar study tables
- 5 round study tables
- 40 soft-sided lounge chairs
- 12 short side tables
- 7 dinette-style tables and benches
- 4 rounded benches
- 1 large computer kiosk center
- 3 multimedia tables
- 12 book shelf units
- 15 small round cafe tables
- 6 tall cafe tables
Results
This continues to be one of the more popular locations for undergraduates to study
on campus, although it does get rather loud in the evenings. Even students who study
in other rooms in the building appreciate the addition of the cafe because now they
do not need to leave to take a coffee break.
Programming has occured in the back of this space, but supplemental sound equipment
needed to be added.
Additions since the original project include:
- incandescent lighting added to the large tables
- additional power outlets along all the walls
- wireless network throughout the room
- soft furniture will be updated in 2008
- signage added to the tops of the bookcases
Images of Previous Space
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Images of Final Space
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