As part of an ongoing commitment to revitalising The University of Auckland’s largest library, Assistant University Librarian, John Garraway, turned his attention to the open spaces on the first floor mezzanine.
The goal was to provide students with a variety of engaging spaces that would support both student collaboration and individual study. The furniture not only needed to be aesthetically appealing, it had to be mobile and versatile, to underwrite the ebb and flow of today’s learning environments.
John contacted Paul White, Director of Design at Instinct Furniture, to discuss how this could be achieved. Paul presented a plan for the space that incorporated a considered selection of learning furniture options; all highly mobile and able to work together in inviting combinations.
The pictures below provide a detailed overview of how products from Instinct Furniture’s range facilitated the creation of a flexible learning environment.
Instinct Furniture’s popular range of GALAXY Radial and Lineal Ottomans with brake castors for mobility, are positioned throughout the space. Designed for ever-changing spaces, GALAXY Ottomans provide a great informal option for working, socialising and learning, whilst adding style and colour.
GALAXY Radial and Lineal Ottomans work in harmony with GALAXY Round Ottoman and EXPRESSO Linear and Round Tables.
HITCHING Posts transfer power from walls or floor boxes at a safe and easily accessible height. SPARROW Tables are positioned throughout for versatile laptop/tablet use and team well with Ottomans and APPLE Stools.
TO GO Screens (customised here with a stunning Tukutuku pattern) are sprinkled throughout, to create space division, privacy and atmosphere.
T1 RECTANGULAR and T3 TEAM Tables are designed to be maneuverable so that they can be adapted to suit a variety of situations. They encourage collaborative teamwork, while still being an inviting place for those who like to spread out when studying.
Here T3 TEAM Table is in use with HITCHING Post providing immediate access to power/data outlets.
GLO MINI deploys as a compact, highly mobile and height adjustable teaching/help station. The cantilevered, oval shaped desktop provides an inviting space where staff, teachers and students can communicate and interact.
Here GLO MINI has been lowered to a seated position.
Socrates SPACE Computer Workstations fitted with FLICK Back and Side screens provide a private space and a generous sized worktop, giving students ample room for computer-based activities.
Overall, the new furniture presents the opportunity for both library staff and students to continuously reinvent their space. Students can choose to lounge on a GALAXY Radial Ottoman one day, then knuckle down with their peers at a T Table the next.
John Garraway says, “Having the tables, ottomans, and screens on wheels has made this area a much more dynamic space. It allows for students to move furnishings themselves and define their own study zone, while also enabling the library to reconfigure the floor quickly to support different approaches for group learning and teaching, such as the first year experience for Arts students.”
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