Landscape Architecture Students ‘Sensationalize’ the Library

By Nathan Stottler
Contributing Writer

Who would have thought that a library could provide visitors with an array of sensory experiences? A team of fifteen landscape architecture students, led by professor Stevie Famulari, set out to transform the Fargo Public Library into a place of sensual inspiration. In one month’s time, the students created two unique interactive, sensory experiences in the entry hallways of the Fargo Public Library. ‘Exist. Observe. Compose.’ and ‘Avenues to Illumination’ evoke communication amongst visiting patrons through different senses. These installations will be on display for the week of October 17th through the 23rd.

Both designs explore the five senses - sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste, and each design manages to do so in a unique and intriguing way.

From the West entrance, ‘Exist. Observe. Compose.’ takes visitors on a sensory walk through the history of Fargo, North Dakota. Sounds and scents engulf people in five different phases as they move throughout the entry hallway. The scents conjure memories in a person’s mind. These memories invoke the need to communicate. All persons will be welcome to share their thoughts on the project as well as their personal memories of libraries through a comment podium.

At the East entrance visitors encounter the metaphors of a prism, captured in the installation ‘Avenues to Illumination.’ This design represents the desire for knowledge of the entrance of the library, and the rewards to be found within it. Bright colored spotlights reflect off prisms suspended from the ceiling drawing patrons into the metaphor, inducing thoughts about the library, how it is used, and all it has to offer to its patrons.

Students have created the designs, illustrations, construction documents, models, invitations, contracts, budgets, documentation of the design process as well as a media kit for these two designs- a first for all of them! In addition, students have received sponsorship from local businesses- including Ryan Companies, Crane Johnson Lumber Company, MAC’s Hardware, Foss Architecture and Interiors, Hendrickson Farms, Best Buy, Carver MMLLC, Environmental Building Products, Rightway Builders of Wright County Company, Kilbourne Group, Helenske Design Group, Signature Landscapes, Inc., Schultz & Associates LTD., YHR Partners LTD., Ecce Art + Yoga, Gefroh Electric, Danyel Johnson, Carolynn Schnell, NDSU Little Country Theater, Mathison’s, Tim Dirks and the staff of the Fargo Public Library.

According to Professor Famulari, “Every year the students continually strive to be even better than the previous year’s design. It has helped to improve their design skills quickly. I am very proud of the students learning curve to get to the point they can build their first design.”

‘Exist. Observe. Compose.’ and ‘Avenues to Illumination’ will be on display at the Fargo Public Library the entire week of October 17th through October 23rd, 2011. These temporary designs will stimulate communication amongst library visitors- and we welcome this interaction. There will be a public reception on Wednesday, October 19th, from 3pm to 5pm. The students will be available for discussion, and will be happy to answer any inquiries about the two designs.

For more information please contact Stevie Famulari at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), (505) 710-3586 (cell).

Questions and Comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

IF YOU GO

What: ‘Exist. Observe. Compose.’ and ‘Avenues to Illumination’
Where: Fargo Public Library
When: Oct. 17-23; Public reception Oct. 19 3-5pm