Clayton High School Library
Library offers a higher education experience.
-
Client: School District of Clayton
Location: Clayton, MO
Completion Date: 2022
9,572 SF
$1.3 M
-
Participatory Design Sessions
Programming
Space Planning
Architectural Design
Interior Design
FF&E
Construction Documents
Construction Administration
The School District of Clayton needed to redesign its high school library to meet the changing needs of its students. Clayton High School’s library had not been renovated since 1990. To reflect their commitment to a rich and rigorous academic culture, the District wanted to offer its students a collegiate-level library experience. Traditional K12 libraries were designed to be a static space for the use of instructors leading a large class. Moving to a collegiate approach would require a transformation into a versatile space supporting self-directed learning and freedom of choice.
"Bond Architects worked diligently to perfect the vision our students and faculty had for the library. Students now flock to the warm, inviting, and energized spaces in the library to study, work, gather, and unwind."
— Lauran DeRigne, Library Media Specialist, Clayton High School”
Our transformation of the Clayton High School Library focused on:
Multiple meeting spaces.
Well-defined zones for different activity and noise levels.
Flexible furniture plan.
Restorative space for supporting student mental health.
Balancing safety and privacy.
When developing new study and focus rooms, a challenge we needed to address was balancing student’s desire for privacy with faculty’s need to monitor behavior. Our design relied on natural surveillance to subtly ensure safety and security. The main service and circulation desk has clear sightlines to every area of the library. Glass walls on the new study rooms give students a private, quiet space to work while remaining visible to school staff.
Freedom Of Choice
An important aspect of the higher education experience is the independence college students enjoy. To give Clayton High School students a more collegiate atmosphere, the new library space would have to give them control over their environment. Students mentioned that the existing library could feel overwhelming and noisy during busy times. They wanted a more orderly experience with clearly defined areas for different activity or noise levels..
Diverse types of spaces.
The renovated library is now divided into distinct “zones”: active, gather, quiet, study, and restful meditation.
A gathering area features a fireplace and soft seating, perfect for socializing.
For students who need a retreat, a quiet focus area tucked in an alcove offers floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and high-back chairs.
An area of “coffee-shop style” seating with small tables and chairs allows students to work in solitude while still having a quiet murmur of background activity.
Students now have more control over the level of noise, activity, or socialization they engage in.
-
New IT student help desk
Four study / focus rooms with transparent demountable walls facing into the library and cable management systems
New library offices with glass walls for maximum visibility into library space.
Two renovated multipurpose rooms
Gallery walls and display cases for student artwork
New finishes and ceiling pads.
New adjustable LED lighting throughout the space and new task and accent lighting.
New circulation desk
Wheelable bookcases on casters for maximum spatial flexibility
New soft seating areas
New study carrells and study nooks
New window treatments throughout library spaces
Technology and audio/visual upgrades including new floor, wall and column outlets, new sound system, and new wall-mounted large format monitor.
-
2023 American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase — Outstanding Design