GVSUMary Idema Pew Learning &

Information Commons

JUNE 2013 ALLENDALE,MI

Grand Valley State University’s main Allendale campus opened its doors to the new Mary Idema Pew Learning and Information Commons in Fall 2013. By design, the library is drastically differ-ent than a typical library and serves a variety of needs, much more than just holding books and accommodating quiet study sessions.

The design process for the GVSU library began more than a decade ago, giving close consideration to student behaviors and looking at how furniture selections can help create a desired learning environment. Key features include: open space that is designed to encourage cooperative learning and group collaboration; a variety of settings for group meetings; private and quiet individual spaces into which students can retreat; food and coffee service for the students; a Learning Alcove; a Knowledge Market that operates much like an Apple Store; a separate wing that houses all the books (150,000 of them); a dedicated event space; several reading rooms; an outdoor deck and garden area; and plenty of office space for faculty. Easy access power and technology are incorporated throughout the building.

Furniture design and selection proved to be the largest, most crucial factor in making this library a success. Custer Design, led by Beth Godfrey, worked on designing the space with the GVSU library staff for over two years. Custer Furnishings, led by Mark Custer, worked with Steelcase to outfit the entire building in beauti-ful settings from Steelcase, Inc. and Coalesse product divisions. Custer Operations and Project Management did an excellent job in executing this complex project within the required time frame.

GVSU

Mary Idema Pew Learning & Information Commons

FURN

ISH

ING

SD

ESI

GN

arch

itect

ural

pro

duc

ts

TEC

HN

OLO

GY

www.custeronline.com

The main focus in designing this library was to think outside the box and wonder what the “library of the future” might look like. To accom-plish this, a multitude of different furniture settings were provided to give students several options for where and how they study or collaborate.

Meeting rooms can be reserved for group projects and computers are readily available for anyone to use. Work benches include desk height power to plug-in laptops or charge tablets and handheld devices. Mobile whiteboards and moveable furniture can be arranged for a private study area and then re-arranged to accommodate a large study group.

Pops of color in the flooring, furnishings and artwork add energy to the space and make it a fun and inviting place to learn and study.

Steelcase media:scape mobile (pictured to the left) integrates collaboration, technology, and mobility through an interactive group interface with the use of a 40” Samsung High Definition LED display. Designed for a “walk up and connect” experience, multiple users can plug into the media:scape mobile to share digital information quickly and easily.

Steelcase RoomWizards are outside meeting spaces to allow for remote reservation and class scheduling. Meetings can be managed seamlessly via web, laptop, or smartphone. Rooms can also be reserved instantly whenever an open space is found. Status lights show availability and the 7” touch screen provides a simple interface for ease of use.

Frame One by Steelcase, pictured right, offers workstations for students including work tools, lighting and power access. Think chairs provide a comfortable place to sit and work for long periods of time. The Coalesse Bix Bench with Back Screen paired with the Bix Table creates a booth-like setting for small groups to meet.

Lounge seating by Coalesse can be found throughout the building’s concourse level (pictured above), from bright orange sled-based chairs to soft yellow lounge chairs and modern stream-lined benches. Also included are Turnstone Jenny chairs and mobile i2i chairs by Steelcase.

Faculty areas are furnished with Steelcase Answer systems, Amia chairs, and a combina-tion of Groupworks and Coalesse tables.

DESIGN

FURNISHINGS

TECHNOLOGY

FURN

ISH

ING

SD

ESI

GN

arch

itect

ural

pro

duc

ts

TEC

HN

OLO

GY

Custer Team:Account Manager: Mark CusterDesign Lead: Beth GodfreySales Associate: Vicki WiggersLead Installer/PM: Steve Zaworski

Products used:Steelcase workstationsSteelcase seatingSteelcase private officesSteelcase media:scape mobileSteelcase Post and BeamSteelcase RoomWizard schedulersCoalesse lounge areasCoalesse conference settingsCoalesse collaboration areasCuster custom screensCuster custom table bases

Partners:GVSU Facilities: Jim FlandersGVSU Library Staff: Lee Van OrsdelConstruction: Pioneer Construction

“If students use this space and furni-ture as we are hoping and thinking they will, this building will be a treasure for this campus for decades to come.”

- Lee Van Orsdel Dean of Universities Libraries

FURN

ISH

ING

SD

ESI

GN

arch

itect

ural

pro

duc

ts

TEC

HN

OLO

GY