Spatial Experience Design of a Collaborative Space in the University Library

Abstract

A space serves as a platform of experience, and the overall satisfaction of a space is shaped by various experiential elements that users encounter during their stay. This project aims to pinpoint the spatial experiences in the process of building a student-centered creative, collaborative, and communicative space in a university library that increase the utilization and satisfaction of the space. Furthermore, the project explores how these elements contribute to the overall 'placeness' of the space and how they can be integrated into the refurbishment process. Utilizing service design thinking as a guiding framework, we formulated a vision for the spatial experience, identifying key experiential elements across the servicescape's three dimensions. Specifically, we highlighted the allowance of permissible white noise for the 'ambient condition' dimension, movable furniture and ubiquitous floor outlets for the 'spatial layout and functionality' dimension, and a cozy rest area with a daily-changing arrangement emblematic of the dynamic, open, and independent nature of university students for the 'signs, symbols, and artifacts' dimension. We then generated diverse ideas for embedding the components in the space. The generated ideas were assessed through the desktop-walkthrough technique and incorporated into the renovation. After two months of use of the space, we evaluated students’ UX satisfaction through on-site observation and interviews, and verified that experiential components successfully stimulated students' activities, and the intended placeness was established within the space.