Furniture on Trial

College Library is pleased to have been selected a campus location to test a new style of furniture that creates an individual study area. Designed by Herman Miller, the Prospect Solo Spaces are ideal for creative work or as a place to settle in and tackle tasks that require concentration. The round shape offers visual privacy—unique within an open floor-plan—and the sound-absorbing materials create a quiet spot for studying. In addition to the sound-absorbing panels, the units feature an integrated white board and a cushioned rolling chair. They are, in the words of one student, “Really nice!”

Three units have been installed in the silent section of Room 3191. They are being made available to the library, for free, so that staff at Facilities Planning & Management can evaluate how well the furniture accommodates the needs of today’s students and how durable the units are, given College Library’s busy 24/5 schedule.

The library will be coordinating an assessment of the furniture with FP&M. Although not in place yet, look for a QR code to be added to the furniture soon. Scanning it will take students to a short questionnaire on this interpretation of a 21st-century library carrel.