The existing library at Fremd High School was renovated in 2017 to follow suit with the other recent THSD library transformations. The existing space was very traditional and more than half of the existing footprint was dedicated to labs and resource and did not meet the evolving needs of the students and staff. The space was lacking in dedicated breakout space and there was a desire for the technology staff to be more accessible to students, with a better view into the space.
ARCON worked with the dedicated library and tech staff to create a plan that would better meet the needs of the end users. The existing circulation desk was relocated across from a new, centralized and inviting entry. The technology office was repositioned and a support counter was created to promote student aid and interaction. Professional development and conference spaces that were in high demand were introduced into the space. A dedicated Tutoring Center, with acoustical separation, provides a space for quiet interaction. The renovation provided for nice, open spaces dedicated to student use and the introduction of a student café, complete with a “fireplace,” to best appeal to the student population.
The existing character of the space was appreciated by all and was preserved in the final design. Existing wood beams were refinished and updated and the introduction of wood planks, stone column wraps, a carefully selected color palette, traditional light fixtures, and unique borrowed lites with applied films all worked to modernize the space, while enhancing the desired traditional aesthetic.
