After 36 years of loving use, the Uris Addition (the “Cocktail Lounge”) had seen a lot of use, and definitely needed some attention. Open 24 hours a day, its furniture had been used extensively, and needed to be updated to better accommodate twenty-first century tasks.Upgrades to carpeting, electricity,and lighting were required, as well as an all-gender restroom. Most of all, however, thes pace needed to be fully ADA compliant, which would finally allow access from the south side entrance, which faces Willard Straight Hall.

Embracing the Addition’s nickname, a new planning team worked with designers to select a range of furniture that was “loungelike” and bring it to campus for students to evaluate. They were offered many different styles to “test drive,” from task chairs and tables to ottomans and armchairs. Through surveys and interviews, librarians collected student responses to furniture choices. In general, students preferred chairs that spin, rock or bounce; smaller tables and individual desks for private study opportunities where they could spread out; a distinctive look for Uris that set it apart from other libraries on campus; comfortable task chairs with wheels; small tables with built-in electrical outlets; lounge chairs with high backs for privacy; comfortable “sway” chairs; ottomans or footrests; and armchairs with built-in work tables.Students took an active role in the design process. They expressed clear opinions, and ultimately, they picked the new furniture for the space they would occupy.

You can find candid student input on the survey in the February 15, 2018, article in the Cornell Daily Sun.