Hall furniture review held
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MARQUETTE--Many gathered at Northern Michigan University's library to personally quality-test their new seating and table selection for the building's remodel.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, the furthest corner of the Lydia M. Olson Library displayed over 30 pieces of furniture that could be incorporated into the new library after its renovations.
"We're doing part of the Harden Hall renovation. And today we're focusing on the furniture," said U.P. North Architects' Lisa Lindley, senior interior designer. "So we're having samples of furniture that we want everyone-staff and students-to come and sit in and tell us what they like best so that we can move forward with products that are similar. Maybe not exactly the product you sat in, but something similar in different locations throughout the library and Harden Hall."
Chairs, sofas, tables and whiteboards were on display and ready for feedback. Attendees were encouraged to take a packet which listed all pieces on display with a one to five rating system as well as room for comments.
The project, which was announced in 2022, has a budget of $12.5 million. Furnishings will be upgraded along with shelving, access to electrical outlets will be enhanced and accessibility for people with disabilities will be upgraded.
Lindley expressed that U.P.N., teamed up with Neumann/Smith and AKA Construction, has been receiving positive feedback from NMU departments but that the event was "about getting students feedback directly."
The library will also feature an emerging technologies area where students have the opportunity to experience virtual reality and create podcasts and other digital recordings.
Harden Hall's library will include more collaboration space, quiet study space and more technologies. Its facade will also be upgraded to complement the surrounding facilities.
Several separate institutions will be combined. The Archives will be co-located with the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center.
Additionally, all the on-campus tutoring centers will be co-located to create a Learning Commons for the sciences, math, language and writing labs.
Lindley said there are tentative plans for the new library's layout, but plans are subject to change.
Construction will officially start May 2024.
Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.