Special Collections

Timeline: Spring 2024, 2 weeks

Tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, Rhino

Team: Silvia Shin

Redesigning CMU’s Special Collections space to encompass four core purposes: exhibition, instruction, research, and storage. 

Our concept created journey for members to discover new precious treasures on a journey exploring CMU’s Special Collection.

Parti-Diagram: Interactions & Spaces

The space is designed to encourage a specific sequence of discovery when entering Special Collections.

Our objective was to foster discovery and learning through a clubhouse atmosphere and interactive installations while integrating areas for storage, research, exhibition, and instruction.

The space is designed to attract students and other people on campus who may not be familiar with the mission of CMU’s Special Collections. The space utilizes both digital and physical interactions to convey this message and attract visitors.

Interactive Table

Interactions

Within the central space is a large touch screen table with an online catalog to browse and select artifacts or books. The request will be received, and the item can be retrieved. The table comprises four learning peaks for the visitor to learn information about different components of the artifact or book. The stamps can also be used on the table. These stamps will be digitized on the spot of the table after the visitor completes the action. They can then move their stamps around and send it to the top of the peak. The peak will blink, indicating that the stamp has been received. The stamp will then regenerate in the spot of origin.

Booklet and Stamp

Upon entry, visitors are given a custom booklet featuring information about the dedicated spaces and artifacts. Within the booklet are pages for users to use stamps of a custom design only found in the CMU Special Collection. Stamping stations will be located at each learning area of the touch table. Visitors can stamp their passport books to mark their reactions to the information they learn at the table.

Screen

Stamps created by visitors at the touch table are digitized and sent to a large interactive screen. The stamps act as a record of the visitor’s impact and extends the experience. All stamps created by the visitors are then compiled into a collage-style exhibit. They are featured in chronological order to indicate how number of visitors.

Key Scenarios

Research Booths

Researchers can work in a dedicated space that allows them to interact with and study artifacts and books in the collection. Wood partitions were implemented to create a sense of privacy without completely isolating researchers from Samuel and the rest of the space. The booths are placed in proximity to the book bar and storage area to streamline requests and supervision.

Book Bar

Curator of Special Collections Samuel Lemsley can easily engage with visitors of Special Collections with easy access to the books and artifacts. Glass cases featuring the items within the collection are on display for visitors to view and request while sitting at the bar. The bar table is structured to facilitate learning and conversation for visitors who may be curious about the history or mission of Special Collections. Connected to the bar is a separate entryway for Samuel to access the other artifacts and books in storage.

Conversation Booths

Arched booths with seating are integrated for users to sit and converse about findings and information learned while sharing their “Member Pass” booklets. The booths face the interactive table, allowing visitors to view all areas of the space and engage with the table at a personal pace. The arch form is intentionally structured in a way to create an environment for concentrated conversation while facilitating discussion with others.

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