Brise soleil narrative:

In the California sun, a brise soleil seemed to be a very viable option for our project. The reason being is because a brise soleil provides maximum shade coverage for patrons of the library sitting down in the cafe, reading a good book, or just sitting in a cozy nook on the second floor. Another way we came to the conclusion of using a brise soleil is by studying a magnified image of a seed. The seed looks exactly like a brise soleil with little openings, crazy patterns and protecting what is inside. The reason we studied the seed is because we as a team believe a library is like a seed, it could be a source of potential, with the power to spread ides and knowledge. Libraries like seeds are a way for things to grow, develop and prosper. As in the natural world, libraries are always affected by activities made within communities and can be the change communities need. Overall, the brise soleil has inspired our group to continually push our imagination and ourselves to build the best library we can.

ASRS Systems:

In the beginning of the design of the library renovation project, our design team contemplated whether to put an ASRS system into the library or stick to the traditional book in bookcases.  When the decision needed to be made, our team unanimously chose to install an ASRS system for a variety of reasons. Firstly, an ASRS system only takes up about 45% of the space that normal bookcases take up, which makes a considerable difference because according to the 2020 plan published by the Kern County public library system, the Rathbun Public Library must hold 80,000 volumes. The space not used by the books has now become spaces for children, teens and adults, which was very important to all the members of our team. Secondly, by using this ASRS system books become more readily available to patrons in a faster manner than the person actually having to look for the books themselves. Furthermore according to the website authormaps.com, ASRS systems were built to exceed earthquake building standards, which for the Rathbun Public Library is very good because the library is located in the vicinity of many fault lines. Overall our ASRS system consists of two rows against opposite walls and six rows in the middle, two rows back-to-back. Each bin is eighteen inches tall and can hold up to 20 volumes. The bins are stacked ten high (a total of fifteen feet tall) and since each row can then hold up to 10,000 volumes and there are 8 rows, the number of volumes adds up to 80,000, which is the amount the 2020 plan required.

Dimensions of the space:

Total square footage: 58 feet by 40 feet (2320 square feet)

Rows width: 2 feet

Row height: 15 feet

Bin dimensions:

Height: 18 in (1.5 feet)

Width; 2 feet

Length: 4 feet