Materials Library
Project Focus:
The Materials Library is envisioned as an interdisciplinary laboratory dedicated to the collection, and study, of raw, manufactured, and reclaimed materials. It serves as a collaborative space where faculty and students can examine, research, and discuss materials as complex and impactful substances that shape our physical world.
The library offers a dynamic environment for material exploration through thoughtful spatial design that encourages informal learning outside the classroom and supports both structured programming and independent research.
Applying my experience in museum design, and the creation of informal learning environments, I am developing this library to serve as a live prototype exploring the impacts of spatial design on self directed interdisciplinary research.
Resources include curated collection of books focused on the history, study and impact of materials on culture, objects and the built environment.
Self directed exploration and hands on access are at the core of the library mission.
Mission Statement:
The Materials Library is a teaching collection that supports students and faculty across the University of Connecticut by offering open, hands-on access to raw, manufactured, and reclaimed material samples.
The Library mission is to drive research, creativity, and innovation across academic disciplines by providing a collaborative platform for investigating the materials that shape our world.
We are committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the environmental, social, and physical dimensions of materials while encouraging sustainable practices.
Guided by forward-thinking curiosity, we strive to empower the stewardship of both natural and built environments, promoting a sustainable and equitable future through knowledge and discovery.
Hands On
Self guided access to a collection of objects for research is less common outside of fields that are object focused. Art and Design education tends to focus on object based learning , but many other disciplines, including engineering do not emphasize first hand experience. The Library provide first hand experience intended to inspire curiosity, wonder and agency.