LIBRARY COMPLEX FOR ACHIEVERS UNIVERSITY, OWO, NIGERIA. (ENHANCING USERS COMFORT THROUGH SUSTAINABLE DESIGN)

Abstract

The Selection, acquisition, processing and storage of books and library materials in retrievable form is the major function of any Library. The need to make the library building comfortable for its usersis germane to proper functioning of the library.Ease of supervision, security considerations, fire precautions, good lighting, ventilation and acoustic control are just some of the factors requiring detailed forethought and attention as to the design analysis/plan. Memorable library spaces for centuries have been characterized by volumes and surfaces illuminated with natural light, providing glare-free light in reading spaces in a bid to make day light efficient. Library designs are expected to fulfill daylight requirements to achieve functionality; the design focuses on the use of architectural sustainable elements to enhance day lighting for visual comfort and ensures the preservation of books and other library materials, climatic control, circulation, etc. Visual comfort with respect to the design includes two basic concepts; visual relief and visual interest. Day lighting influences many factors ranging from users’ comfort and staff productivity to perception and connotation of spaces.The fact that this is a basicneed of library users has received less attention from both architects and other consultants lead to the choice of the thesis. The thesis identifies users comfort through proper planning and sustainable design as essential need of library users. In the bid to attain an efficient design, flexibility was considered through the use of the modular building system, for the design to cope with the rapid changes in library design due to the forms in which information recorded and technological development both architecture and librarianship.