Educational Institution Project
Neville Alexander Library
University of the Free State
Project info
Client
University of the Free State, Neville Alexander Library, South Campus
Project Year
2022
Location
South Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State
Project Leader
Chartyn van Heerden – Furniture Fair Adrie Strydom – Incline Architect
About project
When it comes to creating an inviting and productive environment for students, few spaces are as important as the library. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on an exciting project at the Free State University’s South Campus Library, where we were tasked with upgrading the existing facilities. In this blog post, we’ll take you behind the scenes and provide an overview of our work, the design process we followed, and the remarkable results we achieved.
"The project primarily focused on transforming the reception, open reading, and social areas, as well as the boardrooms within the library. Our client had clear goals and objectives in mind: they wanted to create a comfortable and accessible space that would enhance the students' studying experience. They emphasised the importance of functionality, comfort, and creating focused areas for academic work."
While working on the project, we encountered minimal challenges and limitations. Thankfully, everything ran smoothly, allowing us to focus on delivering an exceptional result. We strived to ensure that our design choices aligned with the client’s vision and the needs of the students who would utilise the space.
Regarding the colour scheme and material choices, we collaborated with Incline Architect, and together we settled on a vibrant palette featuring shades of yellow, grey, and black. This combination injected a youthful energy into the space while maintaining a professional ambiance.
When it came to key design elements and features, our goal was to create an environment that felt fresh and contemporary. We incorporated booths throughout the library, offering students cozy and secluded spaces to concentrate on their studies. These booths became standout pieces, adding both functionality and visual appeal to the overall design.
Functionality and practicality were of utmost importance to us, and we carefully selected and supplied furniture according to the specifications and approved layouts. It was crucial to strike a balance between the space’s aesthetic appeal and its usability, ensuring that the students could focus and excel in their studies.
While the design did not involve any custom-made or personalised elements, our focus on colour and coordination added a unique touch to the space. The result was a cohesive and harmonious design that complemented the overall vision for the library.
Feedback from the client and others who have seen the completed project has been overwhelmingly positive. The client expressed their satisfaction with the functionality and aesthetics we brought to the space. Moreover, the revamped library perfectly aligned with the image and values of the Free State University, further enhancing its reputation as an institution dedicated to providing an exceptional learning environment.
Feedback from the client and others who have seen the completed project has been overwhelmingly positive. The client expressed their satisfaction with the functionality and aesthetics we brought to the space. Moreover, the revamped library perfectly aligned with the image and values of the Free State University, further enhancing its reputation as an institution dedicated to providing an exceptional learning environment.
Working on the upgrade of the Free State University’s South Campus Library was a fulfilling experience for our team. We were able to create a space that not only met the client’s goals and objectives but also exceeded their expectations.
