Franklinton Community Library

Morgan Vereb

Interior Design, 2024

Franklinton Community Library is a speculative design proposal for a Library of the Future in Franklinton, Ohio. In the contemporary age of information, how can a library maintain its physical relevance as a useful and desirable place for communities? Development brings renewed interest to Franklinton after years of economic hardship, crime, and population loss. With the ongoing threat of gentrification, a public, community-based library serves as an accessible third-space and resource bank for residents.

The primary design goal is to encourage community dialogue to nurture a culture of knowledge sharing, promoting trust and relationship-building. The space recognizes community members as sources of information in their own right. Using the Scioto river as metaphor for the channels of knowledge that flow through a community, the program re-orients the Library around end-users instead of information stacks and encourages community dialogue.

Programmatically, Floor One tells the story of Franklinton in an exhibit-like manner. It displays historical archives in an approachable and interactive way and amplifies community voices to simultaneously serve as a diary of today. Floor Two is geared toward frequent library users, equipped with flexible meeting spaces and tech resources like printers, computers, and a recording booth.

Interior rendering of Storyteller’s Corner — An inviting inlet from the main circulation that provides comfortable lounge seating for casual conversation and the sharing of stories

Interior rendering of atrium and etched glass mural — The inspiring double height atrium space shines light on the etched glass mural that spans the length of the building, recalling the story of Franklinton

Interior rendering of Floor One from Broad Street entrance — The Library encourages the use of new technology in an approachable, unintimidating way. AR and VR booths allow an experiential immersion into Franklinton’s history

Conceptual collage serving as etched glass mural art in the atrium — Conceptual collage using the Scioto River and Franklinton’s historical relationship with water as design concept---driving the use of design principles such as hierarchy, transparency, movement, and layering in the space

View Thesis Documentation.pdf (opens in a new window)16.92 MB

Morgan Vereb graduates in 2024 from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with Research Distinction. Supported by a minor in EEDS, she is passionate about the interdependence of design and sustainability. As a student member of IIDA, CMG, and OSU’s Scarlette Magazine, Morgan values diverse perspectives in design for unique and innovative solutions. Her design philosophy is to create intentional, context-driven spaces that spark a personal dialogue between user and environment.

Filters: 2024, Undergraduate Studies, Interior Design, Undergraduate Capstone Project