Interior Design Students Assist with Mullins Library Remodeling Project

The research consultation area.
Photo Submitted

The research consultation area.

Mullins Library now has a new print station and research consultation area, thanks to Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design students and University of Arkansas Facilities Management.

The project began when Carolyn Henderson Allen, dean of University Libraries, reached out to the Fay Jones School for assistance.

"University Libraries aim to support and foster creativity, study, teaching and research," said Allen. "Bringing on students from Fay Jones School to assist us with this project was a win-win."

Interior design students, guided by assistant professor Kimberley Furlong, provided research and options for improvement. Student Natalie Banister served as the project manager with help from fellow students Janie Blair Luft, Amanda Burge, Morganne Bryner, Sarah Moll and Peyton Richards.

"As the faculty adviser for the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design's Student Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, I knew we had an excellent group of students that might be able to both assist the library and turn this into a small, real-world project with hands-on learning experience," said Furlong.

The students met with library staff members Lora Lennertz, Marco De Prosperis and Joel Thornton to observe the proposed project space and assess the Libraries' needs. They then researched sources, developed design solutions, presented a design proposal, produced the required drawings and specifications, and developed a budget.

"The design team took the time to gather research insights about the user experience," said Thornton. "The insights gathered ultimately led to better solutions for the print and consultation stations that truly enhanced our patrons' experience."

U of A architect Larry Smith put the finishing touches on the students' designs and created drawings for the U of A's carpentry shop, where the materials for the print station were made. Facilities Management also managed the installation process.

"These students have been brilliant, very creative!" said De Prosperis. "A special thank you goes also to Mr. Larry R. Smith and to all the Facilities Management group for their help on the construction's drawings, fabrication and installation of the Print Station."

Banister, Burge, Bryner and Moll graduated from the Bachelor of Interior Design program Saturday, May 13. Luft and Richards are on track to graduate from the same program in 2018. 


The print station.

Contacts

Kelsey Lovewell Lippard, public relations coordinator
University Libraries
479-575-7311, klovewel@uark.edu

Headlines

U of A Shines at National Conference Focusing on Student Success

The U of A will bring home a national award again this year from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, and eight U of A staff members will showcase their expertise in presentations.

Movement Dance Company to Perform Fall Showcase Dec. 2-3

The Movement student showcase will be performed in the Nadine Baum Studios, 505 W. Spring St., Fayetteville, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Get tickets now.

Three U of A Graduate Students Win at 3MT Competition

Mostafa Mahmoudi, a doctoral student in chemistry, placed first; Christina Barnes, a doctoral student psychology, placed second; and Kindler Norman, a doctoral student in physics, won the People Choice Award.

Aloia Named 2023 Gerald R. Miller Book Award Winner

Lindsey Aloia, associate dean for international education and associate professor of communication, has been awarded the 2023 Gerald R. Miller Book Award from The National Communication Association.

Staff Senate Accepting Spring 2024 Scholarship Applications Through Dec. 1

Applications for spring 2024 scholarships may be submitted via the application link on the Staff Senate Scholarships website. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. this Friday.

News Daily