The Bentley Reimagined

TIME

2023 Fall

TEAMMATES

Stephanie Vettese | Ziyan Zhou |

Clayton Zimmerman

MY ROLE

Researcher | Designer

TOOLS

Figma | Miro | Rhino

PROBLEM STATEMENT

How may we revamp the Bentley Historical Library’s public areas into an inviting, accessible, and user-friendly space regarding the visitor’s experience and spatial design?

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Bentley Historical Library, located at the University of Michigan, preserves and provides access to Michigan’s historical and academic heritage. The goal is to transform the library into a welcoming center of knowledge for a diverse audience, addressing both its physical layout and public perception, without being bound by financial constraints.

Background

Our Client - The Bentley Historical Library
Located at the University of Michigan, preserves and provides access to Michigan’s historical and academic heritage. Established in 1935, it offers manuscripts, records, photographs, and more for research and public use. Named after Alvin M. Bentley, it serves as a valuable resource for academic research and genealogy.
The goal of the project is to transform the library into a welcoming center of knowledge for a diverse audience, addressing both its physical layout and public perception, without being bound by financial constraints.

Current Building Layout

When visitors first enter the Bentley Library, the iconic red carpet immediately catches their attention. A greeting desk, positioned directly across from the entrance, is there to offer immediate assistance. Behind the desk, exhibition cases and computers are available for use. After retrieving materials, visitors can conduct research at one of the reading tables facing a peaceful zen garden to the east. Additionally, there are desks with storage on the opposite side of the room, providing independent scholars a place to keep their materials for long-term research. The Whiting Room, located in the side wing, serves as a classroom for students. Each semester, professors from various departments introduce students to the archive space and hold a few class sessions in the Whiting Room

Research

We adopted a user-centered approach to understand the pain points and needs of key stakeholder groups interacting with the institution's public areas. Our analysis was conducted in two stages: first, gathering data through background and literature research, along with informational interviews with various stakeholder groups, including students, faculty, and staff from the historical library. The second stage involved analyzing the collected data using an Affinity Wall and Literature Research Matrix to identify the major themes of our research.

Key Findings

Key Finding #1

The Reference staff are notably hospitable and accommodating, but the physical layout of the Bentley and its intimidating atmosphere act as an impediment to creating a truly welcoming environment.

"It’s not the Bentley’s fault, but it has a very hermetic feel, so it gives the impression you have to punch through these brick walls just to get into the spaces."

"When I registered online, it all felt very formal and prestigious, which was a very alienating process since it made me feel like this place wasn’t for me."

"It felt like I was made to jump through a lot of hoops just to come visit, which was off putting."

Key Finding #2

In today’s digital era, where virtual presence holds as much significance as physical interaction, the Bentley must prioritize establishing a welcoming digital environment before focusing on the physical one

"When I was an undergraduate, I didn’t know how to search through their collections or what a finding aid was ... I really wished there was something on the website explaining everything to me."

"Some of my students are intimidated about having to return to the Bentley because they know there are certain rules to follow, and they can’t remember them all."

Key Finding #3

There is widespread confusion regarding the role and function of an archive, particularly concerning the specific functions of the Bentley Historical Library, which contributes to making it an unwelcoming space.

"When we hold classes here, the first ten minutes are basically learning how to act in the space of an archive, which is necessary because students just don’t know how to act in this environment."

"Sometimes, people see the word ‘library’ and come in thinking they can just browse through some books, which we have to then tell them that’s not what we do."

"During finals week, sometimes students might come in to study because they think it is a library, but we have to ask them to go somewhere else."

Recommendations and Design

Part 1: Physical Spatial Welcome

Overall Layout

Establishing a clear division between public and private spaces, implementing a well-defined floor plan with ample signage, and utilizing specific, calming color schemes are key to creating a welcoming environment. The clarity in spatial organization eases navigation and reduces visitor confusion.