Carol Stream Elementary School’s library had not realized significant updates since the 1980’s, prompting the need to renovate in order to support the district’s forward-thinking curriculum by providing spaces for creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.
The new library, now referred to as the Innovation Center, is zoned into various spaces for collaboration, as well as individual learning. The Think Tank offers an area for larger groups to gather independently, complete with an operable partition that allows the space to adapt from a quiet learning zone to an open collaborative area. The Critical Thinking zone affords a tiered presentation space, outfitted with technology, that also doubles as the school’s professional development space for staff. The Collaboration Lounge is an informal gathering space outfitted with flexible soft-seating.
The existing library provided minimal natural daylighting, creating a dark and uninviting environment. A 12’ x 18’ skylight was installed over one of the main seating/work areas, introducing a soft diffused light and creating a more welcoming environment.
The new Innovation Center offers 21st Century technology, such as interactive displays to support curriculum needs, flexible furniture for adaptability, the ability to accommodate multiple classes concurrently, and provides a warm and inviting space for learning.
