EXPRESS LIBRARY INSTALLATION
Portable installation enouraging Downtown Raleigh patrons to become active members of the Wake County Public Library system
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Located in Downtown Raleigh, The Express Library is Wake County's smallest public library. Despite its size (just two small rooms), the library serves as a vital community resource for its downtown patrons. That being said, it has the ability and resources to offer so much more and lend itself to the greater downtown community. In order to answer this potential, I designed a multi-functional display that illustrates and supports the library's downtown presence. I was incredibly lucky to have such a supportive Branch Manager, Rob. I pitched a project scope and budget, and he was willing to support me in designing whatever I felt the branch needed. Working with the WCPL Head Designer was also a joy. We coordinated closely on determining logistical roadblocks and material selection. Her guidance was incredibly helpful. Ultimately, the portable nature of the installation made it a lasting success – adaptable to changing configurations yet constantly changed as to never become stale. It was truly such a joy to work on this.
PROJECT TEAM
Brainstorming, Illustration, 3D Modeling, Fabrication:
Zoe Winton
Printing:
Wake County Public Libraries Design Team
SO HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Take a look below to follow along with the steps I took to make this display!
RESEARCH
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SPACE
The Library has two large walls of windows. While they provided great lighting, whenever signs or displays were added the harsh reflection made it difficult for onlookers to see. They also created a total lack of privacy. People sitting inside to read or instructors teaching classes in the conference room often felt exposed to anyone outside.
This display sought to solve those issues and create a warm and welcoming space.
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Books at the low level are easily missed by passers-by.
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Text and signs are difficult to read against glare and a busy background.
INSPIRATION AND LOCATION SCOUTING
Finding inspiration was important, since the brief for this project was wide open. The one constraint this project had was the window itself. It's depth and geometric grid were going to prove tricky. Finding inspiration like the example below gave me the great idea to embrace layering.
I also wanted to pay homage to landmarks and valued spaces surrounding the library. The goal after all was to better connect the library to the community.
I enjoyed how this display used vertical space and invited viewers to pause and investigate a bit closer.
The Downtown Bus Station made the list of local landmarks.
THE DESIGN
ILLUSTRATIONS
While this project was intended just for this branch, it was important for patrons to know the library was connected to the greater county-wide system. And one way to accomplish this was adopting the color palette and a similar illustration style as the WCPL style guide. The illustrations ended up focusing on vibrant colors paired with a fun (and a bit cartoonish) drawing style.
MATERIAL SELECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
The next step in the process was determing what material would best support the design vision. There were a few different options for materials (cardboard, window decals, corrugated plastic). After speaking with the WCPL Head of Design, we opted to print on the corrugated plastic because of durability. I then adjusted the design to also print the reflections of the illustrations, glue the two sides together, and then add small supports for structural integrity.
Notes from my sketchbook. I was reflecting on materials and their benefits.
A close up of the base structures of the display. By making sure the stands were appropriately colored, they would stand out less to the viewer.
SPACIAL PLANNING AND MODELING
Before sending these files off to the printer, it was important I know that this display would fit in the physical space. So after a few measurements, I built a 3D model of the window and ledge. That way I could drag and drop the illustrations to make sure they would fit and not look too busy.
By creating a rough grid of the window I was able to brainstorm more freely.
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A quick 3D render of the window to get a more accurate sense of scale and spacing.
ASSEMBLY AND FINISHING TOUCHES
Each side of the pieces were printed on a large sheet of corflute. From there I was able to cut out each piece by hand thanks to some guidelines included in the print. Sides were then glued together with a spray adhesive and the bases were inserted.
